Abstract: A fall arrest device, such as a self-retracting lanyard (or lifeline) including: a rotatable drum for winding a lifeline; and a brake arrangement comprising a rotatable brake body arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the drum; wherein rotation of the rotatable brake body applies a braking force to the drum as the lifeline is being retracted onto the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus may include (i) a support structure, (ii) at least one shaft coupled to the support structure via at least one swing arm, wherein the swing arm allows upward movement, and restricts downward movement, of the at least one shaft from a resting position, (iii) a spool, wherein in the spool is shaped so as to rest on the at least one shaft when the at least one shaft is in the resting position, and wherein the spool is operable to unwind a tether coupled to a payload, and (iv) at least one fan coupled to the at least one shaft, wherein rotation of the spool when unwinding the tether also causes rotation of the at least one fan coupled to the at least one shaft, thereby controlling a descent rate of the payload.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis in a body plane and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle also includes an active hybrid spoiler assembly mounted to the vehicle body and configured to control a movement of the ambient airflow along the longitudinal body axis. The spoiler assembly includes at least one stanchion mounted to the vehicle body, and first and second wing-shaped side-sections moveably connected to the stanchion(s). The spoiler assembly further includes a mechanism configured to selectively and individually shift each of the first wing-shaped side-section and the second wing-shaped side-section relative to the at least one stanchion to thereby adjust a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce generated by each of the first wing-shaped side-section and the second wing-shaped side-section on the vehicle body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spoiler apparatus for an RV vehicle, capable of improving driving performance and stability by installing a spoiler to an RV vehicle so as to control an air flow according to the traveling speed thereof.

Abstract: A method can be executed to diagnose an aerodynamic system and includes the following steps: (a) determining, via a controller, a first expected downforce acting on an aerodynamic element of a vehicle based, at least in part, on a current position of the aerodynamic element relative to a vehicle body of the vehicle, wherein an electric motor is operatively coupled to the aerodynamic element; (b) determining, via the controller, a second expected downforce acting on the aerodynamic element of the vehicle based, at least in part, on an electrical current used to move the electric motor in order to move the aerodynamic element from the current position to another position; (c) determining a deviation, via the controller, based on the first expected downforce and the second expected downforce; and (d) controlling, via the controller, the aerodynamic element based, at least in part, on the deviation.

Abstract: A multi-airfoil element wing includes a central single-airfoil element and an outer dual-airfoil element positioned outboard of each side of the central single-airfoil element. The single-piece member defines aerodynamic surfaces of the central airfoil element and both of the outer dual-airfoil elements. The single-piece member includes a carbon fiber resin hollow body forming at least a portion of the central single-airfoil element and of both outer dual-airfoil elements.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an aerodynamic mechanism for a vehicle including a body and a wheel. The aerodynamic mechanism includes a wing and a coupling assembly. The wing is configured to be arranged to intersect and airflow such that the airflow circulates about the wing and generates downforce. The coupling assembly is operatively connected to the wing and configured to be operatively connected to the body. The coupling assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the wheel such that downforce generated by the wing is transmitted through the coupling assembly, directly to the wheel. The coupling assembly is configured to be selectively decoupled from the wheel such that downforce generated by the wing is transmitted through the coupling assembly, directly to the body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle additionally includes a spoiler assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The spoiler assembly includes a spoiler body configured to control a movement of the ambient airflow along the vehicle body. The spoiler body includes a frame having an upper side, a lower side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The spoiler body also includes a first fluid bladder arranged on the upper side of the frame and a second fluid bladder arranged on the lower side of the frame. The spoiler assembly also includes a mechanism configured to selectively supply and remove fluid from the first and second fluid bladders.

Abstract: A variable aerodynamic device for a vehicle, comprising: a wing element (1) having a front and a rear; a frame or body (2) for mounting to a vehicle; a linear actuator (4, 5) mounted between the body (2) and a first mounting point or first location (8) on the wing element for moving the rear of the wing element between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the body; and a guide strut or linkage (9) mounted between the body and the wing element, the linkage being pivotally coupled to the wing element at a second mounting point or second location (10) forwards of the first location (8); the linkage being configured such that when the rear of the wing element is moved by the linear actuator between the raised position and the lowered position, the second location moves rearwardly relative to the body.

Abstract: A force transmitting assembly 20 transmits force to engage and disengage a driven shaft 28. When the force transmitting assembly 20 is engaged, front and rear annular pressure plates 32, 34 frictionally retain a rotor 36 fixedly mounted on the shaft 28 and stops rotation of the shaft 28. The force transmitting assembly 20 maximizes torque and minimizes inertia by providing friction surfaces with friction material substantially engaging the entire working surface of the rotor 36. The force transmitting assembly includes an axially moveable housing 22 attached directly to a mounting flange 24.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use in lowering a structure in a body of sea water. The shock absorber includes a cylinder with a piston arranged slidably therein, said piston having a piston rod which in use extends downwards out of the cylinder, wherein at least one chamber in the cylinder above the piston is fillable with a fluid and is provided with means for controlled exiting of the fluid from the chamber when the piston rod is subjected to an impact force which presses the piston inwards in the chamber. Said fluid is water deliverable from the body of sea water to said chamber through a valve device having a one-way function in the piston, and the piston and the piston rod alone have sufficient weight to pull the piston down and provide renewed filling of the chamber with water when the impact force has ceased.

Abstract: An air spring for use with a closure of a vehicle is disclosed. The air spring includes a rod and a tube axially slidable in the rod. The rod may include a housing having tube slots defining flexible arms with rod cam extensions extending therefrom. The rod cam extensions may have an extension rod cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction rod cam surface, with a rod peak between the two. The tube may include a tube cam extension having a tube peak with a diameter greater than the diameter of the rod peak. The tube cam extension may include an extension tube cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction tube cam surface.

Abstract: A windage brake for a fan descender comprises a rotatable spool connected by drive belts to a fan comprising a radial flow air impeller. A line is wound helically upon the spool. A user of the fan descender puts on a harness (not shown) at the free end of the line and jumps from an elevated position. The line is thereby drawn off the spool and rotates it. The rotating spool drives the fan and also winds a power spring formed by a resilient strip. The windage of the fan regulates the descent of the jumper, the fan being accelerated to a speed at which the braking force is such that the jumper descends at a rate safe for landing on the ground. When the jumper is on the ground, he removes the harness and releases the free end of the line. The line is then automatically retrieved by the power spring and rewound on the spool.

Abstract: A spring system in particular for bicycles includes a gas suspension spring with adjustable progression and a housing element for movably receiving the suspension piston of the gas suspension spring. The gas suspension spring includes a spring volume including a first spring chamber and at least a second spring chamber separated from one another by a partitioning member. The first spring chamber is arranged within the housing element and the second spring chamber extends internal of the housing portion consecutive to the housing element. One single adjustment element allows adjustment of both the damping system and the spring characteristics.

Abstract: In a ball screw device, a ball screw nut is rotated, causing a screw shaft to rectilinearly move in the axial direction, and the limit of the movement of the screw shaft is determined by a stopper. The ball screw device includes a hollow shaft that rotates together with the ball screw nut and in which the screw shaft is movably fitted. The hollow shaft is provided with a small diameter portion that exerts a dragging force on the screw shaft before the screw shaft reaches the limit, and a buffer layer is formed on a tip portion of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus for dampening an actuating member over a wide array of temperatures. The present invention provides a fluid filled housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, and a passageway therebetween. A first piston is slidably received within the first chamber for movement from a pre-actuated position to an actuated position. A second piston is slidably received within said second chamber for movement from said pre-actuated position to said actuated position. A spring disposed within the second chamber biases the second piston toward said passageway and maintains a constant level of fluid pressure within the housing regardless of the temperatures of the fluid. An exhaust port is in communication with the second chamber wherein the second piston is disposed between the passageway and the exhaust port in the pre-actuated position, and wherein the exhaust port is located between the passageway and the second piston in the actuated position to allow the fluid to escape through the exhaust port.

Abstract: A spoiler system for race car vehicles wherein a spoiler plate(s) is pivotally movable between a position spoiling the aerodynamic air flowing over the vehicle when traveling in a forward direction, to a position spoiling the aerodynamic air flowing over the vehicle roof when traveling in a high speed rearward direction, as occurring in a vehicle spin. The spoiler plate (unitary or segmented) is provided on the aft end of the vehicle with adjustable pylon stop members, having angular faces serving to limit the angular, rearward, pivotal movement thereof. Additional winglet pylons are provided on the vehicle deck and have angular faces that contact and limit the forward pivoting of the spoiler plate(s) when the vehicle undergoes a spinning maneuver and travels in a high speed rearward direction.

Abstract: There is provided an aerodynamic stabilizer assembly adapted to be mounted in the rear portion of the roof of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a framework having a front edge and partitioned to define separate openings. A pair of elongated air deflection panels each sized to cover one of the framework openings and each air deflection panel being pivotedly mounted to the framework along a longitudinal axis at the front edge of the assembly framework and being pivotable between a lowered passive position and a raised active position. There are springs arranged on each longitudinal axis for biasing each air deflection panel in the passive position. The assembly framework also includes cables means for limiting the upward rotational movement of the rear edge of each of the panels beyond the raised active position.

Abstract: A series of adjacent flaps is hinge-mounted to the end of a high-speed train car. The actuatable flaps normally assume a fairing mode to close the gap between adjacent train cars and reduce aerodynamic drag. The flaps may be rotated to an inclined position so as to create drag braking when this becomes necessary.

Abstract: A device for providing a retarding force against the motion of a vehicle, which device does not intrude upon the engine, is not dependent upon the vehicle gear selected, and does not exhibit fade or skid characteristics. A multiple plate clutch engages the drive train of the vehicle with a compressor assembly. A three speed gear assembly is operatively connected between the multiple plate clutch and the providing modulation of the ratio of speed between the aerodynamic rotor and the drive train. A throttle valve governs the fluid mass flow through the rotor of the compressor assembly providing precise modulation of retarding torque exerted by the rotor. The device may also be adapted for other types of machines and motors having rotating shafts upon which it is desired to apply a retarding torque.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aerodynamically braking a tractor-trailer combination utilizing a centrally pivoted, fast-acting door within a roof-mounted aerodynamic fairing to selectively expose and conceal the front surface of the trailer, which is masked by the fairing, and in one embodiment, to operate the door cooperatively with the vehicle's brake system.

Abstract: A fire escape device enabling a person to escape from a multi-story building. The fire escape device of the invention comprises two sets of planetary gears which operatively interconnect a winding drum to the main shaft of a fan assembly. During operation, as the cable is unwound from the drum, the sets of planetary gears cause the shaft of the fan and correspondingly, the fan blades themselves to rotate at great speed thereby braking and hence controlling the rate at which the cable is released from the winding drum.

Abstract: A mechanical governor and timer of the gear train type operative in combination with cyclically operating mechanisms, particularly game apparatus of the spinning reel type having a repetitious reversal pattern alternating in forward and reverse rotation phases in each duty cycle. Erratic timing and reel machine failure caused by localized gear and bearing wear produced in conventional timers due to the reversal pattern, is eliminated by a form of governor in which the input gear has as a part thereof an input spindle journalled in roller bearings operating in overriding clutch action in the gear hub and adapted for direct coupling with a countershaft component in the game apparatus to render the entire timing gear system unidirectional.

Abstract: A shut-off device for installation in the waste gas line from combustion spaces. The device includes a flow-through housing, a shut-off plate mounted in this flow-through housing and adjustable, and a positioning motor arranged on the outside of the flow-through housing for the shut-off plate. The shut-off plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward a first terminal position defined by an abutment and is capable of being adjusted by the positioning motor in a direction toward a second terminal position defined by a second abutment. At least one limit switch is provided for actuation by a control element in the open position of the shut-off plate and serving to initiate operation of combustion spaces arranged upstream from the shut-off device. The positioning motor is a rapidly rotating electric motor having a motor shaft connected with the transmission input of a step down transmission for converting the rotary speed of the motor into a slower speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solenoid-dashpot assembly for actuating the foot pedals of a player piano. A solenoid having an armature shaft extending beyond the coil area of the solenoid receives a piston element, which, in turn, has an O-ring which co-acts with a dashpot cylinder. Constricted air passage elements are formed in the piston element and are provided with relatively large air passages which have mufflers thereon so that no sound is made when air ingresses or egresses through these constricted passages due to actuation and deactuation of the solenoid. To silence both ends of travel of the solenoid armature, the solenoid is mounted above a base plate on a mounting bracket and the solenoid armature carries a pad extending from a side opposite the dashpot.

Abstract: A brake device for retarding linear and rotative movement of a load carrying unit after ejection from an in-flight projectile, wherein a container encloses the unit and includes a plurality of slits which divide the container into sections. Each section includes a concave end portion which pivots into a position for retarding movement of the unit responsive to movement of the container through the atmosphere.

Abstract: An airfoil, pivotally attached to a high speed vehicle, is positioned to produce a braking action on the vehicle by means of fluid-dynamic resistance. The airfoil may be positioned to produce a downward pressure on the vehicle and thus enhance conventional braking action. The braking action is further augmented by eductors which reduce the air pressure behind the airfoil and control the air flow about the airfoil. The eductors and a set of rudders combine to provide the requisite stability for successful high speed braking.

Abstract: Escape device comprising a reel having a cable wound on it, said reel being coupled with a rotatable shaft on which the outer end of a spiral spring wound on a rotatable shaft is wound with a curve opposite the curve in the rest position when the cable is winding off the reel, and said cable being coupled slip-free with a wheel carrying projecting wind blades when it is winding off the reel.