Abstract: A wind power generating device includes: a power source assembly and a power generating assembly, the power source assembly including a brake disc and a brake actuator, the brake actuator being configured to swing around a lever fulcrum, and the brake actuator being provided with a wind collector on one side with respect to the lever fulcrum to receive wind force and a brake pad corresponding to the brake disc on the other side such that when the wind collector swings backward because of wind force from the front, the brake pad relatively swings frontward to touch the brake disc by leverage so as to apply a brake force to a rotor component of the power source assembly, and the power generating assembly including a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) such that the generated electric energy is stored to an energy storage element under control of the MPPT.

Abstract: The current invention provides apparatuses and methods for protecting buildings/structures from wind damage and simultaneously harvesting energy from wind. The apparatuses of the current invention comprise horizontal axial wind turbines integrated to the roof-edge of the buildings/structures in an aerodynamically conducive and structurally viable configuration to reduce roof suction. The apparatuses of the current invention can further comprise aerodynamic roof gutter and structural supports/connections to alleviate wind-induced suction (negative pressures) on building roofs generated by separated flows and vortices. The apparatuses of the current invention can also comprise vertical axial wind turbines integrated to the wall-edge of the structures/buildings in an aerodynamically conducive and structurally viable configuration to reduce wind induced wall suction generated by separated flows and vortices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotorcraft flight control actuator includes a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a driven member, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member, an output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and a flight control device of a rotor system, and a magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid, the magnetic circuit configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field in response to inputs.

Abstract: An air brake system and methods of using the same are described. The air brake system has an air intake port having an open position and closed position controlled by control unit linked to a gas pedal and brake pedal such that, upon braking, air is allowed into the intake port through a guiding channel to power a fan and increase air resistance for braking the car. The fan is linked to a generator for converting the rotational energy of the fan into electrical energy.

Abstract: A correction method in which characteristic curves and/or correction values are produced, by way of which the drive current for one or more electrically activated hydraulic values operated in an analog fashion is measured during a pressure regulation in such a way that, during the operation of an anti-lock regulation, one or a respective characteristic curve is first prescribed and then the prescribed characteristic curve is corrected, particularly in a learning process, wherein, after a pressure build-up phase, the current pressure model value (Pmod) is compared to and/or analyzed using a model locking pressure level (Pmax).

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a drive engine and transmission connected downstream in the power flow, wherein the transmission comprises a transmission output shaft on the output side, via which drive power of the drive engine is transferred indirectly onto the drive wheels of the motor vehicle; with a universal shaft which is connected directly or indirectly to the transmission output shaft in order to transfer drive power from the transmission output shaft via an axle gear or the like onto the drive wheels; with a vehicle frame, on which the drive engine, the transmission, the universal shaft and the drive wheels are suspended or mounted at least indirectly; with a hydrodynamic retarder, electromagnetic retarder or permanent magnet retarder, comprising a rotor and a stator, which are switchable via a hydrodynamic working medium circuit or a magnetic field into a torque-transferring connection, so that the rotor is braked by torque transfer to the stator, with the rotor being in a drive conne

Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes a brake unit. The brake unit includes: a first port set hydraulically connected to a master cylinder via a first fluid line set; a second port set hydraulically connected to a wheel cylinder set via a second fluid line set; a first fluid passage hydraulically connecting the first port set to the second port set; a first switching valve arranged to vary a state of fluid communication through the first fluid passage; a fluid pressure source arranged to produce a fluid pressure supplied to the second port set; a fluid accommodating section adapted to accommodate a variable amount of brake fluid; a branch fluid passage hydraulically connecting the first port set to the fluid accommodating section; and a second switching valve arranged to vary a state of fluid communication through the branch fluid passage.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gerotor apparatus includes a housing including a first member. The first member includes a brake pin aperture formed therein. The apparatus also includes a brake pin at least partially interposed within the first member. The brake pin includes a first annular surface and a second annular surface. The first annular surface defines, at least in part, a first brake chamber. The second annular surface defines, at least in part, a second brake chamber. A first fluid introduced into the first brake chamber will urge the brake pin in a first direction. A second fluid introduced into the second brake chamber will urge the brake pin generally in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retarder system for use with road vehicles. The retarder system discloses two improvements. The first is a system incorporating a self-excited electromagnetic and hydraulic retarder combination. The second is a retarder system incorporating the use of a PMG Gear ratio which permits use of a permanent magnet generator on a secondary shaft which is coupled by the gear ratio to a drive train.

Abstract: An eddy-current brake device includes at least one heat exchanger for dissipating the thermal energy that is due to the eddy currents during braking. The heat exchanger is designed to define a path for the cooling liquid, which path is predetermined in order to minimize the pressure drops and maximize the rate of flow of cooling liquid circulating through the exchanger, with a view to reducing the variations in working temperature of the heat exchanger. The device may include two symmetric heat exchangers, of which the inlets, the circuits and the outlets for water are arranged symmetrically, so as to compensate for the forces due to the currents of cooling liquid and so as thus to minimize the corresponding residual torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to magnetorheological (MR) fluid devices and the process of controlling the force in exercise equipment by utilizing the MR fluid devices. The MR fluid devices include rotary and linear acting varieties and are useful for controlled forces in exercise bicycles, recumbent exercisers, ski machines, rowing machines, and stair stepper machines. The rotary MR fluid device is comprised of a rotor supported by bearings and received within a housing. An MR fluid is received adjacent the rotor and within a cavity in the housing and the MR fluid is controlled by an applied magnetic field to vary the operating torque resistance. Spring biasing the rotor allows for relaxed tolerances. Optimization of the Ri/Ro ratio is described which reduces the size and weight of the device. The linear acting version utilizes simple extensible pumps and an external MR fluid valve to provide a modularized system.

Abstract: A manually initiated, brake actuating system for immediate stoppage of the traveling block in a drilling derrick drawworks that overrides a conventional automatic drawwork safety control device. The system includes a normally closed, solenoid-controlled pneumatic valve mounted in an explosive resistant container between the system air supply and the pneumatic brake for the drawworks drum. A manually operated electrical switch, when actuated, simultaneously (1) energizes the solenoid to the emergency override pneumatic valve,and (2) de-energizes the drawworks power circuit, cutting off power to the drawworks motor.