Electric Release Patents (Class 188/171)
  • Patent number: 5876100
    Abstract: A trailer or towed vehicle braking system incorporates a master hydraulic cylinder, the piston of which is biased to apply pressure to the slave cylinders in the braking system and wherein an electric high torque mechanism, when operated at high electric power, overcomes the biasing force to apply no pressure to the slave cylinders. When the electric power to the high torque system is reduced, the pressure applied by the master cylinder is increased. The amount of electric power applied to the high torque motor is preferably controlled based on the braking pressure being applied in the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Raymond A. Breckner
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Breckner, Dennis John Finley
  • Patent number: 5873434
    Abstract: In a brake apparatus for a hoisting machine of an elevator, a field magnet and an armature of an electromagnetic actuator are mounted directly to brake arms supporting brake shoes. Therefore, members for transmitting the motion of an electromagnetic actuator into the motion of the brake arms can be omitted, whereby the number of parts and the overall size of the hoisting machine can be reduced, and maintenance operations can be performed easily at lower positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugita, Kunio Katou
  • Patent number: 5873443
    Abstract: A shiftable device which acts as a brake or coupling, such as a frictional brake or a frictional clutch, includes a first component and a second component and a pressure ring arranged between the first and second components, wherein the pressure ring is connected non-rotatably or stationary to the first component, while being movable by an actuating and restoring device between two work positions which are axially offset relative to each other. At least one friction element which is compressed in an active position of the pressure ring is arranged between the pressure ring and the second component. A plurality of radially resilient tongues which each have a fixed tongue end are fastened without play in the area of the first component. A plurality of guide members supported on the pressure ring and connected to the other movable tongue ends serve to convert the axial movement of the pressure ring into a radial movement of the movable tongue ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ortlinghaus-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Meller, Dieter Niepold, Bernhard Hammerl
  • Patent number: 5796192
    Abstract: An electric drive for small vehicles, especially wheelchairs, includes a d.c. motor, which is arranged as a wheelhub motor in the running wheel of the small vehicle. Efficiency and manufacturing costs are improved, while ensuring simple assembly, wherein the possibility of automatically locking the running wheels is provided, along with a short and lightweight design. The d.c. motor is an external rotor motor, whose external rotor forms the wheelhub or the wheel rim of the running wheel. The stator of the d.c. motor is stationarily connected to the small vehicle via a brake housing (3). A central spring pressure brake is provided which can be released electromagnetically and manually and brakes the external rotor of the d.c. motor in the case of a power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Gerhard Riepl
  • Patent number: 5751127
    Abstract: A magnet brake is disclosed. The magnet brake may consist of a stationary magnet assembly and a rotating magnet assembly. The opposing poles on the magnet assemblies have a mutual attraction that biases the assemblies into alignment with each other. The magnet brake may also be combined with Hall-effect switches to provide position and direction detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Grimes Aerospace Company
    Inventors: Keith G. Austin, Jorge G. Erazo, Terence D. Kirkpatrick, Robert E. Giffen, Michael A. Forhan
  • Patent number: 5743247
    Abstract: A concrete saw is provided which utilizes a transmission having both forward and reverse, high and low speed ranges separated by a neutral state. The transmission includes a neutral start switch which prevents the engine from being started, while the transmission is in gear. An automatic parking brake assembly is mounted to the frame proximate the drive wheel. The brake assembly fixedly engages the drive wheel when the ignition switch is turned to the off position, when the battery is disengaged or when the battery is dead. The brake assembly also immobilizes the drive wheel whenever the transmission is shifted to the neutral state regardless of the position of the ignition switch. The system is provided with an override switch to bypass the automatic application of the brake assembly when the transmission is placed in neutral to facilitate winching or otherwise rolling the saw without engine power. Normally, the brake assembly disengages when the transmission is shifted from neutral into gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Diamant Boart, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Kingsley, Kevin R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5699883
    Abstract: A variable electric brake assembly applies braking force to the wheel of a materials handling vehicle through a rotor shaft. A brake rotor rotates on the rotor shaft and is located within the brake assembly. When the vehicle is in a parked position, both an inner coil and an outer coil are de-energized. With the inner coil de-energized, an inner armature is not attracted to the inner coil, and the inner armature is forced against the brake rotor by springs to prevent the rotation of the brake rotor. When the vehicle is moving in a free running position, the outer coil remains de-energized while the inner coil is energized. With the inner coil energized, the inner armature is attracted to the inner coil and overcomes the force of the springs, thereby allowing the brake rotor to freely rotate. When the vehicle undergoes dynamic braking, both the outer coil and the inner coil are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Stromag, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5685398
    Abstract: A brake (30) includes a magnetically permeable body (38) having a pole face (40), an armature (42) axially movable toward and away from the pole face, an energization coil (44) energizable to magnetically attract the armature toward the pole face, biasing members (50) biasing the armature away from the pole face, a pressure plate (64) mounted to the body and axially spaced from the pole face, a friction disc (66) between the armature and the pressure plate and keyable to an axially extending rotary shaft (36), such that upon deenergization of the coil, the biasing members bias the armature to a braking position pushing the friction disc against the pressure plate to stop rotation of the disc and shaft, the armature in the braking position defining an air gap (80) between the pole face and the armature, and such that upon energization of the coil, the armature is pulled through the gap toward the pole face to a released position releasing the disc and permitting rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Marshall, David J. Warnke, Gene W. Poker, William A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5685059
    Abstract: A method to fabricate an integrated elevator drive machine and brake assembly is disclosed. In the method, an outer wall segment of a drive machine housing is cast to form a base of a brake assembly. In casting the outer wall segment to form the base of the brake assembly, a metal blank of higher magnetic permeability is cast or embedded into the casing of the outer wall segment and is machined to form the base. Alternately, the casting of the outer wall segment may be dimensioned and configured so that the casting of the outer wall segment itself forms the base. The outer wall segment is secured for machining a bearing assembly counterbore and, without unsecuring the wall segment from the machining operation, the base of the disc brake assembly is machined to form the groove for housing a magnetic coil, a plurality of bores to house the brake springs, and a plurality of bolt bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Ericson, Anthony Cooney
  • Patent number: 5679993
    Abstract: A brake assembly is provided for a motor having an endbell and a hub attached to a shaft. A mounting plate is coupled to the endbell and a spacer is adjacent to the hub. A disc is attached to the hub and is disposed adjacent to the spacer opposite from the hub. A caliper is coupled to the mounting plate and is operable to engage the disc absent a signal and to disengage the disc in response to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: David T. Oswald
  • Patent number: 5671829
    Abstract: A brake mechanism for slowing elevator car doors in an elevator system during an emergency power outage or electrical control malfunction includes a brake shoe activated by a solenoid. During normal operation of the elevator car doors, the solenoid is in activated mode and maintains the brake shoe spaced away from the door pulley. During a power outage or electrical controls malfunction, the solenoid is deactivated and, in cooperation with a compression spring, forces the shoe brake to engage the door pulley to slow down the movement of elevator car doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: James A. Rivera
  • Patent number: 5669469
    Abstract: An elevator machine having an outer wall, a rotatable output shaft with a sheave mounted thereon and a brake assembly for braking the output shaft and sheave. The brake assembly has a base integrally formed with the outer wall adjacent the output shaft. A metal base of the brake assembly is cast or embedded within the outer wall. Alternately, the outer wall forms the base of the brake assembly, The integrally formed base has a groove for housing a magnetic coil of a disc brake assembly. The base also has a plurality of bores for housing the brake springs and a plurality of bores for bolting the disc subassembly to the base. The disk brake assembly is fabricated by casting or imbedding a metallic blank of higher magnetic permeability into the casting of the outer wall to form the base thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Ericson, Anthony Cooney
  • Patent number: 5620065
    Abstract: The magnetic air gap in a spring set brake, SSB, is set independently of the length of the legs spacing the pressure plate from the pole face which controls the axial travel length of the armature between a released position engaging the pole face and a braking position pushing a friction disc against the pressure plate. The legs have radially inwardly facing mounting surfaces engaging and retaining the pressure plate. The legs have axially extending line contact guide surfaces for the armature, minimizing magnetic flux leakage through the legs to the armature, and instead concentrating magnetic flux at the pole face to maximize magnetic force attracting the armature. An injection molded friction disc is provided, as well as a keyed hubless design. A manual release mechanism is also provided. An energization coil is provided enabling simplified connection lead bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Baker, Thomas M. Zwitter
  • Patent number: 5603395
    Abstract: An integral motor-brake incorporating an electrically actuated disc stack having minimized residual magnetism. A plurality of alignment pins are provided having abutments at each end therefor for trapping therebetween the discs of the disc stacks. Residual magnetism is minimized by the following features being provided, singly or in combination: 1) A non-magnetic material is located between an armature plate and an electromagnetic coil assembly, wherein the non-magnetic material serves as a spacer to add reluctance to the magnetic circuit and may be for example a wafer for instance composed of aluminum or stainless steel or may be a coating; and 2) A driver circuit for energizing the primary and secondary electromagnetic coils, wherein the self-induced EMF produced when current is shut-off is rapidly dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Easom Engineering & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Brian D. Mabee
  • Patent number: 5582277
    Abstract: A caliper disk brake for steel mill cranes includes a pair of armatures having an electromagnetic coil and a spring interposed between them to operate in a clamshell fashion. The spring urges the armatures apart, while actuation of the coil urges the armatures together. Each of a pair of caliper arms is pivotally connected to a respective one of the armatures at one end thereof, and has a pressure plate pivotally maintained at an opposite end. The pressure plates are maintained in juxtaposition to wear pads which are axially movable in apertures maintained in a pair of stationary plates. A disk, adapted for interconnection with the shaft of a steel mill crane hoist motor is positioned between the plates and wear pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Thomas L. Richards
  • Patent number: 5577578
    Abstract: A pulsed brake drive for an electro-magnetic brake incorporating a permanent magnet which can be pulsed into either an on or off stable state wherein the brake is driven by a very short pulse depending on brake voltage. In the event of a failure of any one phase of the line the drive shuts off the motor and applies the brake. Further, if the power supply to the motor is off, the brake, which is normally on, can be released and then re-applied by a pushbutton. Power to drive the brake is battery supplied which in turn is kept fully charged at all times from main AC power. It is this unique circuitry and combination which introduces an energy efficient motor brake driven by a short pulse-not dependent on continuous voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Electroid
    Inventor: Edward Lazorchak
  • Patent number: 5533425
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically actuated disc stack for drives, brakes and combinations thereof having minimized residual magnetism. Residual magnetism is minimized by the following features being provided, singly or in combination, in a drive, brake or combination thereof. 1) A non-magnetic material is located between the clutch armature plate and the clutch electromagnetic coil assembly, and a non-magnetic material is located between the brake armature plate and the brake electromagnetic coil assembly. The non-magnetic material serves as a spacer to add reluctance to the magnetic circuit and may be for example a wafer for instance composed of aluminum or stainless steel or may be a coating. 2) A driver circuit for energizing the primary and secondary electromagnetic coils, wherein the self-induced EMF produced when current is shut-off is rapidly dissipated. 3) Non-magnetic drive components are used in the path of the magnetic circuit of the clutch and brake electromagnetic coil assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Easom Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Mabee
  • Patent number: 5518087
    Abstract: A rail brake apparatus for a linear motor elevator includes mating magnetic cores with coils and spring, brake arms connected with magnetic cores and pivotally engaged with a shaft, linings disposed at both ends of the brake arms for braking a guide rail, thereby reducing the weight of the magnetic units, balancing both magnets in its weight, and obtaining the same pulling force in both magnetic cores. In addition, it further includes a gap maintaining apparatus for maintaining a predetermined gap the upper and the lower magnetic cores, thereby reducing an impact noise occurred during pulling each other and preventing friction due to the slip of the lining, so that the car of the elevator can precisely stop at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Y. Hwang, Kil Hee Cho
  • Patent number: 5486084
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle is provided with a multiple purpose material handling and working apparatus including a boom, and a tool supporting boom extension supported on the free distal end of the boom for rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom. The boom extension includes a body, a linkage structure movable between unpivoted and pivoted positions relative to the body, a coupling, and a linkage drive assembly mounted on and movable with the body for driving the linkage structure between unpivoted and pivoted positions. A rotary drive motor is supported on the boom for rotating the boom extension relative to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Raymond F. Pitman
    Inventors: Raymond F. Pitman, Richard J. Stallbaumer, James A. Rusk
  • Patent number: 5437351
    Abstract: A brake mechanism for selectively stopping and permitting rotation of a shaft journaled in a motor frame, the brake mechanism comprising: a brake hub secured to the shaft for rotation therewith, the hub including a plurality of first splines each having a first width in the circumferential direction of the hub and at least one second spline having a second width in the circumferential direction of the hub and greater than the first width, and a friction disk surrounding the hub for rotation therewith, the friction disk including a pair of opposed friction surfaces and having therein an aperture extending between the friction surfaces for receiving the hub, the aperture including spline recesses for receiving the hub splines and disk splines which mate with the hub splines and which provide for rotation of the friction disk with the hub; and brake disk engagement structure mounted for movement toward and away from the friction disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard J. Lindner
  • Patent number: 5433297
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake is disclosed comprising a brake wheel, at least one friction surface attached to a respective friction plate and urged into frictional engagement with the brake wheel during braking. An electromagnet and an anchor serve to disengage the friction surface from the brake wheel when a current is supplied to the electromagnet. To compensate for the wear of the friction surface, the anchor is adapted to rotate in adjustment threads and thereby advance towards the magnet. Rotation of the anchor is caused by a coil spring. To maintain an essentially constant clearance between the electromagnet and the anchor when the brake is in the close state, the brake is provided with spring-loaded lugs mounted on a face of the anchor and protruding a predetermined distance towards the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Kone OY
    Inventor: Ismo Kuivamaki
  • Patent number: 5429339
    Abstract: A rope traction device used as a winding instrument for a moving scaffold and other construction, loading and unloading and conveying machines, includes a sheave which is rotated by a motor through a speed reduction gear and around which a part of a traction rope is wound, and is movable along the rope by rotating the sheave. The sheave is provided with a rope groove formed by a pair of parallel and planar side plates substantially along the entire circumference of the sheave for receiving a part of the rope therein and resiliently pressing the rope on its side portions. The rope traction device includes an improved brake system according to which slots elongated in the circumferential direction are formed in each clutch member and each slot has a greater depth axially in the central portion thereof than in other portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Nihon Biso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5421436
    Abstract: A brake assembly (10) for selectively starting and stopping rotation of a shaft (12) journaled in a frame (14) of a motor comprises an end plate (16) mounted to the motor frame, the end plate (16) being formed with mounting slots (40) formed axially therein. Friction discs (26, 26a) are secured to the shaft (12) for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (12) and pressure plates (36, 36a, 36b) are non-rotatably mounted in the mounting slots (40) of the end plates (16) and axially movable toward and away from the friction discs (26, 26a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Lindner, Harold Lorenz, Jerry L. Hamberger, Walter G. Stelzer
  • Patent number: 5415253
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake is disclosed comprising a brake wheel, at least one friction surface attached to a respective friction plate and urged into frictional engagement with the brake wheel during braking. An electromagnet and an anchor serve to disengage the friction surface from the brake wheel when a current is supplied to the electromagnet. To compensate for the wear of the friction surface, the anchor is adapted to rotate in adjustment threads and thereby advance towards the magnet. Rotation of the anchor is caused by a coil spring. To maintain an essentially constant clearance between the electromagnet and the anchor when the brake is in the close state, the brake is provided with spring-loaded lugs mounted on a face of the anchor and protruding a predetermined distance towards the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Kone OY
    Inventor: Ismo Kuivamaki
  • Patent number: 5406180
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal braking system for use with electric motors, particularly electric motors used with rotary actuators. The braking system includes a brake which has a spindle disposed at least partially between the rotor and a shaft. An annular engagement portion of the brake is integrally connected to the spindle through a conical portion. The brake is forced against a stationary friction member when the motor is de-energized. The brake is preferably made from a polymeric alloy having self-lubrication properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventor: Raymond D. Feller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5389049
    Abstract: A pre-assembled disc stack having a predetermined cross-section within a preset tolerance which is installable and removable as a unit with respect to a drive, brake or a combination thereof, composed of a plurality of annular discs stacked in a prearranged order, in which a first set of annular discs is structured for engaging a first component of a drive, brake or combination thereof, and in which a second set of annular discs is structured for engaging a second component of the clutch, brake or combination thereof which is rotatably mounted with respect to the first component. The first and second sets of annular discs are mutually connected together as a unit by a plurality of alignment pins which pass through circumferentially disposed alignment holes in the second set of annular discs which effectively trap the first set of annular discs with respect to the second set of annular discs in the aforesaid prearranged order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Easom Engineering and Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Brian D. Mabee
  • Patent number: 5388674
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake unit in a housing (1) is provided with a drive sleeve (8) subjected to a torque of a prestressed coil spring (6), a locking spring (16) between the drive sleeve and the housing for permitting rotation of the former in a first direction, and a control sleeve (17), which is rotatable by a control motor (20) in the first direction to open the locking spring and allow the drive sleeve to rotate the same angular distance as the control sleeve. In order to obtain rotary force transmission from the drive sleeve (8) over the locking spring (16), if the control sleeve (17) is not held against rotation, the locking spring has a slightly smaller external rest diameter than the bore in the housing (1), with which it is to cooperate, whereas the control motor (20) is provided with means to hold it against rotation in its rest position, unless the current supply is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: SAB WABCO Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 5386891
    Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the raising and lowering of a door comprising a speed reduction gearing, a high speed input shaft and a low speed output shaft connected to the gearing, and a governor mounted on the input shaft for regulating the input shaft's rotational speed. More particularly, the mechanism is provided with a brake having a movable brake shoe, a temperature sensitive link and an elongate member having a central portion coupled to the brake shoe. As well, the first portion of the elongate member is engageable with the temperature sensitive element and a second portion of the elongate member is engageable with the actuator. In this way, the elongate member is provided for moving the brake shoe to the release position in response to one of (1) the temperature sensitive link upon the temperature reaching a predetermined temperature and (2) the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Anchuan Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung-Wen Shea
  • Patent number: 5368138
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake is disclosed comprising a brake wheel, at least one friction surface attached to a respective friction plate and urged into frictional engagement with the brake wheel during braking. An electromagnet and an anchor serve to disengage the friction surface from the brake wheel when a current is supplied to the electromagnet. To compensate for the wear of the friction surface, the anchor is adapted to rotate in adjustment threads and thereby advance towards the magnet. Rotation of the anchor is caused by a coil spring. To maintain an essentially constant clearance between the electromagnet and the anchor when the brake is in the close state, the brake is provided with spring-loaded lugs mounted on a face of the anchor and protruding to predetermined distance towards the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Kone Oy
    Inventor: Ismo Kuivamaki
  • Patent number: 5337878
    Abstract: The emergency brake for a passenger conveyor such as an escalator or moving walkway is provided with a brake force adjustment assembly which will supply a braking force that is proportional to the passenger load imposed on the main drive motor of the conveyor at any point in time. Thus, if the conveyor is lightly or heavily loaded with passengers, the emergency brake force will be automatically proportionally decreased or increased so that, in the event of an emergency stop condition, the braking force applied to the drive sprocket axle will be sufficient to stop movement of the conveyor within the predetermined time period that is preprogrammed into the conveyor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Martin Mehlert, Hans E. Engel
  • Patent number: 5306989
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal braking system for use with electric motors, particularly electric motors used with rotary actuators. The braking system includes a brake which has a spindle disposed at least partially between the rotor and a shaft. An annular engagement portion of the brake is integrally connected to the spindle through a conical portion. The brake is forced against a stationary friction member when the motor is de-energized. The brake is preferably made from a polymeric alloy having self-lubrication properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventor: Raymond D. Feller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5275261
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake/clutch device includes a drive shaft supported by at least one bearing for transmitting torque, a housing, affixed to prevent its rotation, surrounding the drive shaft, and an electromagnetically activated device within the housing to selectively prevent and allow rotation of the drive shaft. The electromagnetically activated device includes a plurality of cammed rollers acting to prevent clockwise rotation of the drive shaft and a plurality of cammed rollers to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a circumferential disk and the housing includes a reaction ring for engagement with the plurality of cammed rollers. The plurality of cammed rollers are released from engagement with the circumferential disk and the reaction ring by a plurality of tripping mechanisms within the housing. The tripping action uses the locking force to act as a release force merely by changing the boundary conditions of the roller interface angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Patent number: 5253738
    Abstract: With this safety disc brake all regulatory safety requirements can be fulfilled with a constructional expenditure approximately like that expended for a simple construction of brake. Fulfillment of the essential safety requirements is attained by providing two partial systems which mechanically operate completely independent of one another and comprise two identical brake levers each provided with a respective separate compression spring braced at a common central impact member fixedly connected with a machine part. As a further feature for fulfilling the safety requirements both of the partial systems are devoid of any mutual mechanical penetrations and overlapping. Opening or release of the brake is accomplished electromagnetically with a pot magnet fixedly secured to one brake lever and an armature plate likewise fixedly secured to the other brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Josef Vertesy, Toni Bissig
  • Patent number: 5242039
    Abstract: A two-speed drive utilizing an electromagnetically operated control system wired with respective drive motors, automatically braked in the event of a loss of power, provided with pre-assembled clutch and brake disc stacks, and provided with a manual over-ride. A primary drive motor is connected at one end to an external drive shaft and at an opposite end to a primary clutch drive shaft. The primary clutch drive shaft is connected with a first set of discs of an oil shear clutch disk stack. A secondary clutch drive shaft is connected with a second set of discs of the clutch disk stack. The clutch disc stack is biased by springs to be in a normally clamped mode which is released by a clutch electromagnetic coil assembly. The secondary clutch drive shaft is connected by a gear reducer to a shaft which is connected at one end to a secondary drive motor, and at the other end to a first set of discs of an oil shear brake disk stack. A second set of discs of the brake disk stack is connected to a housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Easom Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Mabee
  • Patent number: 5199532
    Abstract: An elevator brake is provided with a redundant means to release the brake to allow an elevator cab to move when a primary releasing means, such as a coil, does not release when desired. When the coil is deenergized or defective, an auxiliary coil is used to release the brake and enable the cab to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Manabu Suganuma, Toshihiko Uematsu, Hisaki Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 5186288
    Abstract: A motor brake unit comprising a housing member defining a fluid chamber disposed about the motor shaft of a motor, a shaft sleeve disposed within the fluid chamber nestingly engaging the motor shaft for rotation therewith, a first plurality of brake elements rotatable with the shaft sleeve, a brake collar secured to the housing member and disposed annularly about the shaft sleeve, a second plurality of brake elements non-rotatably supported by the brake collar, a pole piece for selectively engaging and disengaging the brake elements, a coil spring for normally biasing the pole piece to engage the brake elements, and a plurality of electromagnetic coils for selectively attracting the pole piece axially opposite the biasing force to disengage the brake elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Sommer Company
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5186287
    Abstract: A motor brake mechanism (10) includes retaining structure (46) permitting removal and replacement of friction discs (16, 18) without disassembling the brake mechanism. When the brake mechanism is detached from the motor, removal of a single bolt (46) permits radial removal and replacement of the friction discs. Minimizing of brake drag is enabled by adding low force compression springs (162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172) without otherwise modifying the structure which prevents rotation of the pressure plates (38, 40) relative to the end plate (28) of the brake mechanism (10), wherein a first set of studs (42, 44, 46) provide both functions of non-rotatably mounting the pressure plates (38, 40) to the end plate (28) and mounting the low force compression springs, all separate from another set of studs (70, 72) mounting the brake lever (68) to the end plate (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Lindner, Harold Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5186286
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake is disclosed which comprises a brake wheel, a friction surface touching the brake wheel during braking and attached to an anchor plate moved by brake springs and an electromagnet which disengages the friction surface from contact with the brake wheel when a current is supplied to the magnet. To compensate for the wear of the friction surface, the brake has at least one retainer mounted on a bolt or shaft lying parallel to the axial direction of the brake. The retainer moves with the anchor plate towards the brake wheel and is provided with a directional element which limits the motion of the anchor plate away from the brake wheel. The brake is also provided with a wedge ring rotated by a spring which serves to move the electromagnet towards the brake wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kone Oy
    Inventor: Teppo Lindberg
  • Patent number: 5180038
    Abstract: An electronically controlled parking brake system for a vehicle including a housing connected with the vehicle chassis, a movable member adapted for connection with the parking brake cable of the vehicle, a main spring biasing the movable member toward a brake-applied position relative to the housing, an electric motor operable to displace the movable member toward a brake-released position relative to the housing, a retaining device normally retaining the movable member in the brake-released position, and a release device for releasing the retaining device, whereby the movable member is released for displacement by the main spring toward the brake-applied position. Preferably, the retaining device includes a helical clutch spring mounted concentrically on a rotatable drive screw that drives the movable member in the brake-released direction, and the release device includes a solenoid for releasing the clutch spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Orscheln Co.
    Inventors: James H. Arnold, Randal J. Perisho, Michael D. DeWitt, Wayne L. Soucie
  • Patent number: 5172798
    Abstract: An electrical actuation system for a drive utilizing one or more disc stacks having annular discs alternately connected with two or more drive components. A disc stack is directly selectively clamped by an armature of an armature assembly being magnetically attracted to an electromagnetic coil of an electromagnetic coil assembly upon energization of an excitation current in the electromagnetic coil. The armature has a zero air gap with respect to the electromagnetic coil when the disc stack is clamped. A plurality of armature springs are carried with the armature assembly and are compressed when the armature assembly biases against the disc stack, thereby accommodating wear of the discs. Clamping of the disc stack results in the two drive components connected therewith being interconnected. Upon the excitation current being switched off, the disc stack is no longer clamped and the two drive components are now unconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Easom Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Mabee
  • Patent number: 5154261
    Abstract: An electromagnetic disc brake for an elevator lifting apparatus comprises a disc spline-coupled with a rotational shaft. Braking body and an armature disposed to clamp the disc; braking springs press the armature against the disc, and an iron core is provided which includes inner and outer magnetic poles each facing the armature and concentrically formed with respect to the rotational shaft. An electromagnetic coil generates magnetic flux to pass through the inner and outer magnetic poles as magnetic paths. In addition, at least one of the pole face of the outer magnetic pole and the facing portion of the armature where it faces the pole face is provided with an arrangement for increasing a magnetic gap, and the braking springs are disposed in portions of the outer magnetic pole. Further, the braking body is supported through a sound absorbing member or one side of the armature facing the disc is formed of a sound absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Tanaka, Masanobu Itoh, Toshihiko Nara, Tasuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5145035
    Abstract: An elevator disc brake is rigidly attached to a shaft attaching to an elevator sheave. The disc brake includes a rotating disc and a non-rotating plate, the plate being driven towards the disc by a plurality of springs and moved away from the disc an electromagnet. Gaps between the plate and the disc and between the electromagnet and the plate are readily adjustable an adjustable spring seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Alphonso Garrido, Antonio Sanchez, Jose M. Sandoval, Jose Sevilleja
  • Patent number: 5131510
    Abstract: A brake assembly is disclosed for selectively preventing rotation of a shaft, such as a shaft used in a control rod drive for a nuclear reactor. The brake assembly includes a stationary base, a rotor disc fixedly connected to the shaft for rotation therewith, and a brake member disposed adjacent to the rotor disc. The rotor disc includes at least one rotor tooth and the brake member includes at least one braking tooth. The member is selectively positionable in a deployed position for allowing the braking tooth to contact the rotor tooth for preventing rotation of the shaft in a first direction while permitting roation in the opposite direction, and in a retracted position for allowing the rotor disc and shaft to rotate in either direction without restraint from the brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Jamrus, Richard A. Ose
  • Patent number: 5107156
    Abstract: The synchronous motor includes at its rotor a thin-walled cylindrical cup member. This cup member includes at its outer side a plurality of rings which are electrically insulated against each other. A plurality of rod shpaed permanent magnets are in turn arranged at the surface of the rings and extend parallel to the rotor axis. Preferably a braking unit is located at the inside between the inner side of the cup and the rotor shaft which unit act as a standstill brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Hermann Jaun, Walter Wyss
  • Patent number: 5103941
    Abstract: A roller locking brake structure includes a roller locking/lifting ring, a housing, a set of conical locking rollers, a striker ring and a drive disc. The roller locking/lifting ring includes respective V-shaped locking cam surface segments for each locking roller which is in the form of a truncated cone and provides a force and torque reaction surface for forces and torques generated in the braking process as well as providing a channel for a magnetic coil and flux return path of a magnetic circuit used to release a conical roller when the brake is off. The locking conical rollers couple the ring to the rim surface of the drive disc which provides another cam surface. The striker ring is located adjacent the rollers and is pulled down against the small end of the rollers by an electromagnetic coil when energized to decouple the locking rollers from the drive disc and thus cease the braking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Patent number: 5101939
    Abstract: A caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: William Sheridan
  • Patent number: 5092432
    Abstract: The parking brake system (10) includes a spring operated actuator (30) which includes a screw (37) having thereabout a nut (38) affixed to a laterally movable cap (32) biased by springs (34, 35) within the actuator (30). The screw (37) is connected with a gear mechanism (40) that can rotate a flywheel (60) connected selectively with an electric motor (20). The screw (37) of the spring operated actuator (30) is connected with flexible drive mechanisms (50) that are connected with brakes (18, 19) of the vehicle. The spring operated actuator (30) is in a compressed mode when the brakes (18, 19) have not been applied for parking. When the vehicle operator activates the parking brake system (10), spring expansion causes the movable cap (32) and nut (38) to move laterally which causes the screw (37) and gear mechanism (40) to rotate so that the flywheel (60) is also rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Alistair G. Taig
  • Patent number: 5090522
    Abstract: An arrangement for automatically engaging and disengaging a brake on rotating apparatus comprising a rotatable brake drum and a pair of brake shoes pivotally mounted for engagement with the drum. Free ends of the brake shoes are urged together by spring forces bringing the brake shoes into braking engagement with the drum. A brake release mechanisms includes a pivoted release member with a cone-shaped stud slidably connected thereto. The brake shoes are disengaged by rotating the release member which forces the stud between the brake shoe free ends and separates the brake shoes from the drum. The conical stud and its slidable connection to the pivoted release member simplifies assembly and maintenance of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Duchossois Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy D. Korff
  • Patent number: 5067593
    Abstract: A braking device for an elevator winding machine generates a braking force by contacting a rotary body driven by a rotary shaft of the winding machine with a brake section supported through the intermediary of an elastic body. The elastic body has a nonlinear elastic characteristic so that a starting shock to the passengers in the elevator car is prevented and the braking torque detecting accuracy is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Tanaka, Masanobu Itoh, Noboru Arabori, Toshihiko Nara, Tastuhiko Takahashi, Katutaro Masuda, Mitsuo Saito
  • Patent number: RE36034
    Abstract: A caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: William Sheridan