Abstract: A system for decelerating a vehicle includes a powered driver and an anchor supported by the powered driver. The powered driver configured to be movably coupled to a chassis of the vehicle. The powered driver is also configured to propel the anchor from the powered driver into a road surface to secure the vehicle to the road surface for decelerating the vehicle.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly including an accelerator pedal attached to the driver's compartment of a vehicle is disclosed. The accelerator is reversibly movable between the neutral or idling position when no pressure is applied to the pedal and an acceleration position when pressure is applied. The assembly includes a compression assembly having a compression chamber with a piston, liquid nanofoam in the chamber, and a geared driver assembly connecting the compression assembly and the pedal. When the pedal is depressed, the driver assembly is activated, forcing the piston into the chamber and causing the force level to rise until it reaches the designed load limit or the threshold. When the pressure on the pedal is relieved, the position of the pedal is immediately reset to the neutral position as the piston is pushed out of the chamber by internal pressure generated by liquid escaping the nanoporous material via the nanopores.

Abstract: The damper assembly has a damper housing at least partially defining an interior chamber. A free piston is positioned in the damper housing to separate the interior chamber into a gas-filled chamber and a fluid-filled chamber. A piston assembly is configured to move within the fluid-filled chamber and separates the fluid-filled chamber into an extension chamber and a compression chamber. A valve assembly separates the compression chamber into a primary chamber adjacent the piston assembly and a secondary chamber adjacent the free piston. The valve assembly is configured to restrict flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber to cause a pressure drop during compression by the piston assembly. The free piston is configured to slide within the damper housing in response to fluid displacement caused by movement of the piston rod in the fluid-filled chamber.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a disc brake caliper. The parking brake actuator includes a tapered collet having an axial bore, the tapered collet slidably positionable within a bore of the disc brake caliper; an actuator rod having a first end and a second end, the actuator rod slidably positionable within the axial bore of the collet; means for receiving a force for placing the parking brake actuator in a non-actuated condition; and a first biasing means structured and arranged to apply a force sufficient to place the parking brake actuator in an actuated condition when the force for placing the parking brake in a non-actuated condition is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system employing single drive power through the differential wheel group to drive two differential output shafts thereof, in which a normal closed brake is individually installed at each of two differential output ends, to prevent the shortcoming of the ineffective parking function caused by single side sliding when single side being suspended or parking.

Abstract: A braking device of a golf bag cart includes a fixing member, a compression spring and a curved tube. The fixing member is connected with a connecting plate of a swing-arm of the golf bag cart, having a chamber formed in one side. The compression spring is installed in the chamber of the fixing member. The curved tube is formed nearly L-shaped, with a horizontal portion fitted in the chamber of the fixing member so as to enable the curved tube to rotate freely against the fixing member, and has a vertical portion used to let a braking wire extend out. With the curved tube to rotate freely, the braking wire can be protected from improperly bent or squeezed to get broken while folding or unfolding the golf bag cart.

Abstract: A scooter includes a board for supporting the user thereof, at least one wheel assembly mounted on the board for facilitating movement and transportation of the board, and a braking system operable in a first mode that engages with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that is subject to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without being subject to any braking force.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle braking assembly for a wheel which comprises a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operative position, blocking means adapted to prevent the braking member from moving to an operative position wherein the trigger means is operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMR sensor.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a dampening function.

Abstract: A spring-applied parking brake with manual release and reapply. A gear box fixed relative to the rear wall of a cylinder has a manual crank. A pushrod extending through the cylinder and gear box is connected to provide braking force. A threaded collet surrounding helical threads on the pushrod has flexible radially expandable tines. When the gear box is manually cranked, the pushrod is rotated and due to interaction of the threads on the inside of the collet and on the pushrod, the pushrod is moved axially releasing or reapplying the brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking brake device comprising a spring element and an actuating element that acts upon the spring element, wherein by applying an actuating force to the actuating element the parking brake device is transferrable between a brake-inactive release position and a brake-active parking position. In the invention, it is provided that the spring element is biased in the release position and that the spring element upon transfer from the release position to the parking position yields only upon attainment of an actuating-force threshold value that is determined by the bias.

Abstract: The present invention provides a washer, damper thereof, and control method thereof, by which noise is reduced by adjusting a damping force of the damper in a manner of turning on/off power of the damper according to an oscillation frequency of a vibrating body such as a washer. The control method reduces noise by supplying power to a damper in an excessive vibration state of a vibrating body such as a washer or by cutting off the power supplied to the damper in a normal vibration state of the vibrating body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake actuator, especially for a rail vehicle brake, comprising an accumulation brake unit having an energy accumulator for storing and supplying energy for applying the brake, preferably in the event of safety braking and/or park braking, and a locking device for locking and unlocking the energy accumulator. After the release of the locking device, an inertia weight from part of the energy released from the energy accumulator can be subjected to a rotational movement for damping purposes.

Abstract: A noise reduction structure is provided for use with a meshing gear assembly, such as in a power take-off unit for selectively providing power to one or more rotatably driven accessories. The meshing gear assembly includes meshing input and output gears that are supported within a housing and are rotatably driven during use. A helical coil wrap spring extends about and is frictionally engaged with a portion of the output gear. A first end of the wrap spring extends outwardly therefrom to form a control tang that extends adjacent to an abutment surface provided on the housing of the power take-off unit. As a result, the wrap spring is prevented from rotating relative to the housing as the output gear is rotatably driven.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spring assembly for use in a parking brake system that solves problems associated with conventional parking brake systems. The disclosed spring assembly imparts a minimum force (e.g., tensile force) onto the parking brake cable of the parking brake system when the parking brake is applied. The spring assembly comprises a sliding collar, a wire ring located about the exterior diameter of the sliding collar, a locking collar, a spring and a sleeve for receiving the aforementioned components.

Abstract: Service braking of a vehicle can be carried out by way of a service brake actuator having an electric motor for applying its service brake. Energy from a loaded spring in a spring brake actuator connected to the service brake actuator can be released at will for supplying supplementary service brake energy to the service brake actuator.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator is mounted with its shaft connected to the rotational operative shaft of a service brake actuator. The spring brake actuator has a clock spring, which is mechanically charged at a rotation of the actuator shaft in a brake release direction. It also has an electric coil for keeping when electrically energized—the clock spring in its charged condition. Further, it has means for transferring the rotative energy of the clock spring to the actuator shaft in a brake applying direction, when the coil is energized, but allowing free rotation of the shaft in either direction, when the coil is energized.

Abstract: A wheel brake device, which in particular is actuatable electromechanically, for a motor vehicle, includes a pivotable lever, one end of which is engaged by an energy-storing spring element and which with its other end presses against a wheel brake lining. The lever is pivotably supported by a support means that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the lever. By displacement of the support means in the longitudinal direction of the lever, a lever arm with which the energy-storing spring element engages the lever lengthens, and a lever arm with which the lever presses against the wheel brake lining shortens. A pressure force with which the energy-storing spring element, via the lever, presses the wheel brake lining against a brake disk can be adjusted by displacement of the support means.

Abstract: A cable (22) for connecting connecting an operating lever (20) to a disc brake (12), and mechanical-energy accumulation means (28), which are separate from the cable (22) and which connect a proximal strand (22P) to a distal strand (22D) of the cable. Preferably, the mechanical-energy accumulation means (28) comprise a spring (34), which is connected with the proximal strand (22P) and with the distal strand (22D) of the cable so as to be elastically deformable when these strands move relative to each other, between a rest position, towards which it is resiliently biased, and a position in which it accumulates energy.

Abstract: A spring storage cylinder, for the generation of braking forces for the auxiliary and parking brake effect, comprises a piston, arranged in a housing, which may be displaced for the operation of a brake lever. The piston is pretensioned against the brake lever by means of a spring. A release spindle is provided, by means of which the piston may be moved from an extended position, operating the brake lever, in the braking position, against the force of a spring into a withdrawn position, releasing the brake. A primary chamber is provided in the housing, pressurized to a certain pressure, in which, when an operating pressure is exceeded, the piston is moved into the withdrawn position against the pressure of the spring. According to the invention, at least one contact switch is provided to determine the position of the piston in the housing.

Abstract: A spring applied parking brake assembly for a railway vehicle is provided which automatically activates upon removal of a railway car from the pneumatic braking system of the railway vehicle. The spring applied parking brake assembly comprises a casing which is mounted on or within the braking system, typically alongside the air cylinder. This casing contains a spring member and a piston assembly, both of which are mounted for longitudinal movement within the casing upon the application and/or removal of pneumatic pressure within the casing. The piston assembly includes a piston rod which is associated with the force transfer lever of the braking system such that upon a removal of pneumatic pressure within the casing, longitudinal movement of the piston rod causes this force transfer lever to rotate and apply a force to at least one force transmitting member in the vehicle braking system to initiate a brake application.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for controlling rotation of an input (12) in the most preferred form of a brake includes a housing (50) which can be positioned in either first or second positions. In the first position, a piston (66) moves out of its cavity (64) in the housing (50) and forces a plate (76a) including the piston (66) and an interface facing (80) toward an interface disc (20) while a release spring (92) located in a countersink (74) acts on a fastener (98) to move the first plate (76a) away from the interface disc (20). When flipped to the second position, the piston (66) moves out of its cavity (64) in the housing (50) and forces a second plate (76b) interconnected to the first plate (76a) away from the interface disc (20) while engaging springs (90) sandwiched in cavities (70) between the housing (50) and the first plate (76a) including the interface facing (80) force the first plate (76a) toward the interface disc (20).

Abstract: A force application device for a vehicle's braking system in the form of a variable gear system, in which, in response to a braking command by the driver, an adjusting device adjusts a proportioning device, which proportions the force fed from the force generator in such a way that it corresponds to the braking command. The force generator is disposed in a fixed position, thus decreasing the overall size of the force application device. In the force application device, energy recovery of the elastic energy of deformation contained in the disk brake during force application conditions is achieved by feeding the energy back, during release of the brake, into a force generator, which is constructed as a spring brake actuator and which makes the energy available for brake actuation. Thus the principle of an energy see-saw is implemented.

Abstract: A wheelchair braking system, for use on a wheelchair having a frame and a pair of wheels, comprising an outer plate assembly, an inner plate assembly, and an axle assembly attached to one of the wheels. The axle assembly is supported by the outer plate assembly. The axle assembly has a sprocket gear comprising a plurality of sprocket teeth. When weight upon the wheelchair is reduced when a passenger gets up from the wheelchair, an outer plate assembly moves downward with respect to an inner plate assembly, bringing a foremast teeth into contact with a sprocket gear, and braking the wheels. A manual release lever extends rearward from a housing so that a person standing behind the wheelchair can selectively operate the manual release lever to free the foremast from the sprocket gear and allow the wheels to rotate.

Abstract: A disk brake having members for keeping the friction pads in contact with the disk rotor in such a way that the wear of the friction members and the energy loss are kept to a minimum. The disk brake has a disk rotor, friction pads provided opposed to each other on both sides of the disk rotor, a caliper formed with a fluid pressure cylinder at least on one side of the disk rotor, and a piston slidably received in the cylinder for selectively applying braking force to the disk rotor by pushing the friction pads into sliding contact with the disk rotor. A resilient member is disposed between the piston and one of the friction pads provided opposite the piston for biasing the friction pads toward the disk rotor by a predetermined stroke, thereby keeping the friction pads in contact with the disk rotor at a predetermined surface pressure even while the brake is not applied.

Abstract: ESTOP is a braking device causing a motorized vehicle, such as a snowmobile or ATV, to stop when the driver is ejected. When the ESTOP is armed, with a trigger pin attached by a tether and clip to a driver, the vehicle braking system functions normally. When the driver is ejected, removing the trigger pin, the ESTOP, unarmed, releases a force applying pressure, mechanically or hydraulically, to brake pads stopping the vehicle's brake rotor and bringing the vehicle to rest. Mechanically, ESTOP applies pressure from a released spring to brake pads on a caliper mounted on the vehicle's brake rotor. Hydraulically, the ESTOP applies pressure from a released spring to the vehicle's hydraulic brake system through a secondary master cylinder. ESTOP potential energy is not limited to a coiled wire spring, but may include a compressed gas canister, engine provided vacuum or an electrical solenoid.

Abstract: A force generating system including a lever mechanism fixed with respect to and interacting with a varying elastic deformation force take-up system and at a force application point of a given lever arm length; an energy-storing force generating device which acts upon the lever mechanism at a changeable position of its lever arm for supplying a portion of the energy stored in it when the lever arm length is increased and for at least partially taking up again the energy taken up by the force take-up system, when the lever arm length is decreased; and an adjusting arrangement for the controllable changing of the position in which the force generating device acts upon the lever arm of the lever mechanism. The force generating system is used in a disk brake system.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism (1) is disclosed which has a locking assembly (2) and an actuator (3). The locking assembly (2) is self-contained because it is biased by a spring (12) which acts between a housing (11) for the assembly and clutch leaves (5(a), 5(b)). The actuator (3) has a cam rod (15) which does not take any part in the clamping action on the leaves (5(a), 5(b)). There is a large mechanical advantage in the actuator (3) because the cam surface (17) is formed from a cut-out in the rod (15). A single actuator (45) may be used for two or more locking assemblies. Depending on configuration of the cam surfaces (48, 49), exclusive operation of one locking assembly may be achieved.

Abstract: An automatic braking wheelchair having an automatic braking assembly which automatically locks one or both wheels of a wheelchair when the patient attempts to rise. The automatic braking assembly includes a movable seat, a locking bar connected to the movable seat having a cavity therein for receipt of the axle, and a locking member rigidly connected to the hub of the wheel which is received in the cavity of the locking bar to selectively lock the hub and wheel in a stationary position.

Abstract: A walker that has wheels to facilitate its movement when it is not being relied upon as a primary means of support and that has brakes to hold said wheels against rotation when it is. The wheels are arranged in a tricycle configuration and brakes are associated with the two rear wheels. A pair of brake pads flank each wheel and are held into braking relation to each wheel by a pair of spring members, there being one spring for each brake, when little or no weight is applied to the walker by the user. The springs are compressed and the wheels are free to rotate when the weight of the user is applied to the walker. The user's forearms rest in padded armrests and hand grips are provided forwardly of those arm rests. The walker is adjustable in height and is foldable when not in use.

Abstract: A mobile bank teller unit includes a cabinet supported by a pair of main wheels having automatic brakes. Vertically adjustable caster pairs at each end provide sidewise mobility. The cabinet opens to form an enclosure for two tellers, each having complete bank transaction equipment. Two banking customers can be accommodated simultaneously. The unit closes into a compact, secure portable form.

Abstract: A safety brake for a child's walker is constructed of a braking bar pivotally mounted to the base of the walker for rotation between a nonbraking position above the wheels and a braking position whereby a straight section of the bar extends below the wheels to lift the wheels out of contact with the floor. A releasable catch on the walker base retains the braking bar in the nonbraking position, and a spring urges the bar into the braking position upon release thereof from the catch.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a safety brake for smoothly stopping a moving carriage. The brake is operated from readily assessible positions in the aisles between carriages, thus minimizing the risk of injury to persons in the aisles if another person starts a carriage. The brake includes a notched plate which normally rotates with a carriage axle. Upon actuation of a safety switch, a toothed lever mounted to the carriage frame engages the plate, thereby preventing it from rotating. Friction discs on either side of the plate dissipate the carriage kinetic energy into heat and thereby stop the carriage. The control circuit includes a timer so that the person may safely leave the aisle before the carriage can again be moved.

Abstract: The pressure plate unit for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a clutch housing (1a), a presser plate (3a) arranged in the clutch housing (1a) and guided non-rotatably but axially displaceably on the clutch housing (1a) and a clutch spring (13a) of substantially annular washer form arranged limitedly radially displaceably in the clutch housing (1a). The clutch spring is supported in the region of its external circumference axially on the clutch housing (1a) and on a diameter smaller than the diameter of the external circumference axially on the presser plate (3a). At least one radially resilient spring element is braced in between the clutch housing (1a) and the clutch spring (13a). The spring element holds the diaphragm spring in its original position in which the pressure plate unit was balanced in assembly, even during operation.

Abstract: A safety coupling for rapidly stopping a cutting tool or the like upon the de-energization of a driving motor includes an axially movable shell rotating together with a driven shaft and having a flange pressed by a spring toward a frictional braking element. Two parallel cams of generally triangular outline are articulated by their respective vertices to a drive shaft and, in a central position, are aligned with a common axis of the drive and driven shafts. On starting the motor, the resulting differential torque causes a relatively inverse tilting of the cams around a transverse axle whereby they axially shift the shell, against the force of the spring, and release its flange from the braking element. As soon as the motor is cut off, the differential torque vanishes and the cams regain their initial central position whereby the driven tool is arrested.

Abstract: A brake for retarding rotation of a powered shaft in which the shaft includes a crankshaft section having opposed pistons disposed on the crank section, pistons oriented in respective laterally extending cylinders, sections of the cylinder on a side of the piston remote from the crankshaft provided with springs operatively abutting against a face of the piston to alter the resistance against the piston, and a hydraulically actuated device for increasing the spring pressure applied on the piston face so that when the hydraulic device is actuated, the piston meets increasing resistance to continue motion in the cylinder away from the crankshaft, in such a manner that rotation of the shaft is retarded in precise amounts.

Abstract: A rolling invalid walker has normally locked wheels and one or more hand controls for disengaging the locks to permit unlimited rolling. A preferred embodiment comprises a walker frame with four legs and wheels. The two front wheels are normally locked, and a pair of hand controls are provided for disengaging the locks with minimal pressure. The hand controls are coupled together by a horizontal tie rod so that the wheels can be unlocked by either or both controls and so that emergency pressure on either control will lock the wheels.

Abstract: This brake assembly, for use with a conventional foldable wheelchair, provides a pair of rearwardly extending brake arms connected to adjacent side frames underneath the seat. Each brake arm includes a transverse forward portion pivoted to the side frame and having a brake shoe biased into engagement with a drive wheel. The rearward portion of each brake arm is provided with a post engageable by the wheelchair seat to pivot the brake shoe out of engagement with the wheel when the seat is depressed and moved downwardly by the weight of an occupant. The wheelchair side frames are connected by a tension spring to ensure that the brake is engaged when the wheelchair is unoccupied.

Abstract: Actuating apparatus for actuating a device such as a brake or clutch or the like comprising output force transfer apparatus movable between an open non-force applying position and closed force applying positions whereat a variable output force is applied to the device in the closed force applying positions; and wherein the actuating apparatus causes, movement of the output force transfer apparatus between the open position and the closed positions and exerts variably increasable output forces in the closed positions. A constant force applying apparatus continuously exerts a uniform substantially constant force of pre-selected magnitude on the output force transfer apparatus in the closed positions and holds the output force transfer apparatus in the open position.

Abstract: A boundary responsive wheel lock assembly for a supermarket shopping cart, or the like, or for any other application where a wheeled device is to be boundary responsive, is provided, to prevent the removal of the cart from an authorized area. The assembly includes a roller which is mounted on the distal end of an arm which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a bracket to be positioned adjacent to one of the wheels of the cart. A spring-loaded plunger is also mounted on the bracket, and the plunger is normally held in a cocked position by the arm as the roller moves along the floor of the supermarket or along the surface of the adjacent parking lot. The parking lot is surrounded by a barrier which extends, for example, one and a half inches above the ground. However, the flexibility of the assembly of the invention enables the assembly to respond to a variety of boundary heights.

Abstract: A spring-set power-released caliper brake, adapted to grip the sides of a clamped member and, specifically, to provide a substantially uniform clamping force irrespective of actuator spring extension. The caliper brake includes a base mounted in fixed relation with respect to the clamped member. An actuator lever and an actuated lever are pivotally mounted in the base intermediate their ends. One of a pair of brake shoes is pivotally mounted on one end of each lever. The cylinder portion of a spring-set, power-released linear actuator is secured to the other end of the actuator lever and a compensating link is pivotally mounted in the other end of the actuated lever. The thruster portion of the linear actuator is pivotally connected to one end of the compensating link. One end of a toggle link is interconnected to the other end of the compensating link and the other end of the toggle link is interconnected to the actuator lever.

Abstract: An emergency brake mechanism is provided, particularly for small railway cars such as those used for monorail systems, for braking a car released by failure of the motor and main braking system. The brake mechanism includes a brake shoe with tapered surfaces extending in opposite directions longitudinally of the path of movement of the car for wedging a brake pad between the shoe and the rail surface. The brake pad is pushed into engagement by a movable tappet, which in turn is released to move toward the rail surface by a centrifugal governor monitoring the speed of the car. The brake housing mounts the brake shoe on one side of the rail with a counter-brake surface on the opposite side.

Abstract: A rolling container assembly has a braking and locking system including a pair of locking levers on shafts positioned to engage opposite sides of a fixed anchor. The locking levers are releasable by separate control levers. Braking spikes are arranged on a pair of further shafts, and are inclined downwardly from their respective shafts and toward the center of the container. Lost motion rods intercouple the locking lever with the braking spikes, so that the braking spikes may be rotated to vertical positions independently of the respective locking levers. The shafts through which the braking spikes are connected are also coupled by a lever, whereby the braking spikes simultaneously rotate in opposite senses.

Abstract: The wet disc brake comprises a stack of reaction plates interspersed between a stack of friction plates all mounted within a sealed housing. A pool of oil is provided in the bottom of the housing. The pool of oil is contacted by the rotating friction plates to coat such plates with oil. A piston is provided for pressure engagement of the discs in a braking action. Spring means are provided to apply light pressure against the piston and stack of brake discs to continually maintain these elements in non-braking engagement.

Abstract: A cart having a spring biased wheel lock, handle actuated release means for the lock, automatic lock release means actuated by a nested cart, and an intercart coupling means.

Abstract: A walker to aid an invalid is disclosed. The walker includes a frame mounted on at least one wheel to allow the walker to roll along the floor. The frame and at least one wheel have coacting lock-catch-and-release means arranged such that when the user pushes down on the frame the lock will release and allow the walker to roll a measured, predetermined distance and thereat lock. Further movement is prevented until the frame is released and pressure again applied.

Abstract: A spring-loaded semicircular member is attached to a bicycle frame directly in front of the rear wheel, to press against the wheel when released and thereby stop the wheel's rotation, serving as a brake. A trigger device and a reset device are connected to the member and to each other by conventional flexible bicycle hand brake cable. When the trigger device is operated the reset device is released and the member to be released. To reset the brake, the reset device is operated, causing the member to be pulled forwardly to release the wheel and resetting the trigger device.