Abstract: A fitting, in particular for shutting off a flow, includes a housing. A fixed threaded part is axially displaceable and fixed against relative rotation in the housing. A rotatable threaded part is axially resiliently and rotatably supported in the housing. A braking device has at least two friction surfaces facing toward one another and being pressed against one another with a braking force if a predetermined rated force upon the fixed threaded part is exceeded, in order to brake a rotary motion of the rotatable threaded part through an axial displacement and form a braking surface. One of the friction surfaces is connected to and fixed against rotation relative to the rotatable threaded part. A cup spring assembly has a width, an intermediate radius and at least one cup spring for resiliently supporting the rotatable threaded part in at least one axial direction. The braking force relative to the width of the cup spring assembly is introduced over the intermediate radius of the cup spring assembly.

Abstract: A reversible drive system is provided that is particularly adaptable to low-power drives in which precision mechanical control must be obtained with the lowest possible cost and the highest reliability. The drive is described as incorporated in a lead screw drive in which a control nut reciprocates between two fixed positions. At the end of the movement in one direction, the control nut strikes a fixed abutment that stops the motion thereby increasing the load on the drive motor and causing an increase in the current drawn by the motor. This increase in current is utilized to disconnect the power source from the motor. In such systems, in particular where there is a large reduction in the speed between the motor and the driven object, as with the use of a lead screw drive arrangement, it is desirable to store energy at the end of each stroke that is available to decrease the starting torque required to reverse the direction of motion.

Abstract: An adjustable limit switch mechanism for controlling the operation of an electric motor of a garage door opener over a selected range of movement including a motor driven threaded shaft supporting at least one switch actuator which is adjustably positionable and restrained from rotary movement while being axially translated by rotation of the shaft. A limit switch is mounted adjacent the threaded shaft so as to be actuated as the switch actuator is translated axially on the shaft.

Abstract: A setting device for the control surface of a projectile, which includes a drivable spindle or actuated screw which is screwed through the intermediary of a nut which is secured against rotation. Included are end stops for limiting the axial extent of displacement of the nut when stop surfaces which rotate in conjunction with the spindle contact in the direction of rotational movement, a stop against a stop surface axially-parallel protruding from a single-threaded helicoid surface on one or the other end face of the nut.

Abstract: A ball screw device with internal motors comprises a shaft provided with a ball screw groove and a ball spline groove, a ball screw nut threaded on the shaft with balls interposed therebetween, a ball spline nut threaded on the shaft with balls interposed therebetween, and direct drive motors having rotors and stators, respectively. The rotors are provided on outer circumferences of the ball screw nut and ball spline nut, respectively, so that the rotors can rotate integrally with the corresponding nuts. The stators are arranged in an opposing circumference-to-circumference relationship with outer circumferences of the rotors and are secured on an inner wall of a housing. To detect rotation angles of the nuts, rotational positions sensors are arranged close to each other between the nuts.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one lead screw (2) driving a sliding yoke (23) whose guide bar (22) is mounted on a rocker arm (19). The lead screw actuates a switch (27) by means of a cam (28) via the sliding yoke. A deliberate action on the rocker arm moves away the sliding yoke (23) which is brought instantaneously into initial position by a spring (25). The lead screw (2) is for preference disengageable by means of an arm (29) driven by the axle of the sliding yoke. This arm provides an angular positioning of the lead screw by acting on a heart-shaped cam (10).The device permits rapid, sure and precise setting of the stopping points of a motor.

Abstract: A spring-applied, pressure-released parking brake is controlled by an electrohydraulic control system. A solenoid operated parking brake control valve and a manually operated tow control valve control communication between the engine driven pump, the sump, the operator driven pump and the release chamber of the parking brake so that the parking brake can be released and applied during normal operation of the engine driven pump and so that the parking brake can be released by operation of the operator driven pump when the vehicle is shut down. A transport sump valve and an inlet check valve operate to prevent the parking brake from engaging while the vehicle is moving too fast, as a result of operator error, hydraulic failure or electrical failure.

Abstract: A motion converting mechanism comprising a feed member provided with a screwed portion, a screw nut member engaging with the screwed portion of the feed member, a support member rotatably supporting the feed member and the screw nut member, a single drive unit for imparting a rotational motion to the feed member, and a braking unit for braking the rotational motion imparted to the screw nut member so the feed member is given a linear motion.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a head end, a foot end, and a planar mattress portion extending therebetween. The head end and foot end feature a drive screw and nut housing assembly. Each head end and foot end features tubes which are slidingly received within the head end and foot end. The tubes are attached via a cable to the nut housing. Upon rotation of the drive screw, the nut housing rises or descends, thereby adjusting the height of the bed. The translational movement of the nut housing along the drive screw is limited by a drive screw pin at the upper and lower extremities of each drive screw. The drive screw pin selectively engages a similar slip nut pin located on a slip nut which is received within the nut housing. Frictional force between the slip nut and the nut housing is maintained by a pair of pressure plates which are compressively received within the nut housing. The compressive force between the slip nut and the nut housing is adjusted by means of a pair of set screws and springs.

Abstract: A transmission member includes a driving shaft (60) actuated by a control shaft (9), and a driven shaft (3) driven in rotation by a plate (61) provided with a driving thread and a driven thread. The driving shaft is provided with a thread that engages in the driving thread of the plate and the driven shaft is provided with a thread that engages in the driven thread of the plate.

Abstract: A device in which a sliding-gear nut is displaced on a threaded rod, one of these elements being driven in rotation by the motor to be controlled, the sliding-gear nut actuating a switch when it arrives at the end of its travel after a determined number of revolutions of the motor. The sliding-gear nut is integral in rotation with a second nut intended to interact with a second threaded part situated at the end of the first threaded part, of diameter greater than the diameter of the first threaded part and the pitch of the screw thread of which is substantially greater than the pitch of the screw thread of the first threaded part, with the result that when the second nut engages with the second threaded part, it is displaced more quickly than the first nut and quickly actuates the switch.

Abstract: The core of a liner displacement transducer is coupled to a rotatable movable member by a threaded stem which engages the member for rotation therewith and is axially slidable relative thereto. The stem threadedly engages a nut which is axially located on a fixed part of the transducer and is restrained against rotation by a spring loaded detent. Projections on the stem are engageable with respective abutments on the nut at opposite limits of linear travel of the stem, causing the nut to rotate and preventing further change in the position of the core.

Abstract: In apparatus for controlling a rapid feed speed of a movable body, for example a table of a machine tool, by using a ball screw, there are provided a converting device for converting the rotation of the ball screw into a force for reciprocating the table, a position detector which judges whether a nut of the ball screw is at an end of the movement of the nut or at a central portion of the movement for issuing a detection signal and a speed reducing device which reduces the number of revolutions of the ball screw when the detection signal is issued.

Abstract: A steerable electrically powered three-wheeled vehicle has an upstanding seat post mounting a seat thereon. The seat post is telescopically and revolvably received in a seat post support fixed to the frame of the vehicle. A seat motor is provided on the vehicle which has a drive connection to the seat post assembly for raising and lowering it and there is a control on the vehicle for selectively operating the seat motor forwardly or reversely to raise or lower the seat post and seat. A pair of master lock parts are provided, one on the seat post support and the other on the seat post, and parts on the respective lock parts are automatically engaged when the seat post and seat are lowered to lowered position for locking the otherwise relatively revolvable parts against relative rotation. The lock parts automatically prevent operation of the motor driving the vehicle, unless the seat is in the forward facing position.

Abstract: A screw and nut linear actuator has a threaded drive screw. A drive nut is threaded onto the drive screw and is axially translatable thereover by rotating the drive screw relative to the drive nut. The drive nut has a first member translatable along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw relative to the first member, and a second member mounted to the first member for rotation relative thereto. The drive screw and first member are allowed to rotate but not translate relative to the second member with the first member restrained from rotation relative to the drive screw. A limit stop is threaded onto the drive screw and is engageable by the first member to restrain rotation of the first member upon engagement by the first member. Engagement of the first member with the limit stop restrains further rotation of the first member thereby restraining further translation of the drive nut while allowing rotation of the drive screw and the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: In the electric actuator of the present invention, the power converting mechanism is provided for converting the rotary power of the motor into linear power of the driven member, which needs no special component part. Therefore, in comparison with the prior art power converting mechanism, it is advantage in that the scale of speed reduction and the stroke can be freely determined, with remarkably reduced number of parts and in low cost. The electric actuator according to the present invention is also provided with the improved clutch device employing the engagement of the weight and the recessed portion for secure transmission of the rotary power of the motor, resulting in full utilization of the capacity of the motor in simplified structure.

Abstract: A device for coupling a rotary member to an axially movable input stem of a linear displacement transducer comprises an axially movable element which is coupled to the stem and threadedly engages the rotary member. The axially movable element is restrained against rotation by spring loaded detents and has abutments which can engage a lug on the member when the element reaches its limiting axial positions. This engagement causes the element to be rotated with the member and input to the transducer is arrested.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for a rotary table has a support shaft rotatably supported by a base member in which indexed terminal positions of the rotary table is determined by abutment of a stopper member provided on the rotary table against positioning members provided on the base member. The indexing apparatus comprises a rack-pinion mechanism comprising a rack and a pinion fixed around the support shaft of the rotary table for rotating the same, a feed screw shaft rotatably supported by the base member and extending along the rack in a direction of the movement thereof, a breakable electric motor for driving the feed screw shaft, and a feed nut engaging the feed screw shaft. The rack and the feed nut are arranged so that either one of them has integral portions disposed at both sides of the other with spaces left on both the sides in the direction of the movement of the rack. Annular springs are disposed in each space.

Abstract: A rotary travel limit stop apparatus having a first rotary member (10) and second and third independently rotatable members (14 and 20) having slightly different numbers of gear teeth which engage the gear teeth on a first member (10) carry a movable stop pin (30) which is adapted to engage a fixed stop member (40) only during a revolution near the limit stop position of a controlled element such as an aileron. A stop plate (54) carrying a fixed stop member (40) is angularly adjusted by rotation of a screw (70) which is received by a barrel nut (64) that is coupled to the stop plate (54) by a protuberance (66).

Abstract: An actuator (10) comprises a housing having sections (11, 11') joined by a band clamp (12). A high torque, low speed motor (14) is provided in the housing and has a rotor (17) associated with a ballscrew rod (18) which is received in the hollow end of a ballnut/rod (20). The ballscrew rod (18) and the ballnut/rod (20) are provided with grooves (19, 20 respectively) between which ceramic balls (20) are entrained. The rod (20) translates in only a rectilinear direction and the grooves (19) of the ballscrew rod (18) are protected from the environment by the ballnut/rod (20) which covers the free end of the ballscrew rod (18).

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for a vehicle having service brakes and spring activated parking brakes includes electropneumatic activators for effecting and holding a limited service brake application while the driver leaves the vehicle to make a route pick-up. Accordingly, the spring brakes are not used during route pick-ups, thereby increasing the life of the spring actuator since it is not repeatedly cycled. An electropneumatic interlock automatically effects a parking brake application if the vehicle ignition is switched off while an electropneumatic service actuation is effected.

Abstract: A torque sensor (10) is provided which avoids the problems of cantilevered screw and nut arrangements previously used in torque sensors. A long gear (15) receives a torque input from a shaft (14) of a primary shafting system (11) used to actuate various devices and the like (A,B,C,D,E). The long gear (15) is simply supported between bearings (17,18) to eliminate cantilevered support. Likewise, a threades shaft (19) receiving a torque input from shaft (13) of the primary shafting system (11) is simply supported between bearings (20,21) and has a travelling gear (22,23) threadably mounted thereon for axial movement along the shaft (19) as a result of differential motion between the long gear (15) and the travelling gear (22,23). Mating conical surfaces (24,26 and/or 25,27) are provided respectively on the travelling gear (22,23) and shaft (19) to cause locking and effect torque transmissions between the shafts (13,14).

Abstract: An automobile brake system includes a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder and a solenoid actuated valve between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. The solenoid actuated valve is actuatable for maintaining high fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder after a brake pedal associated with the master cylinder has been released in order to prevent unwanted rearward rolling movement of a vehicle once it has stopped.

Abstract: A timing mechanism (10) is provided in which input gear (11) is fixed on one shaft (12) for operating one system such as a door to move between two positions. A differential nut (14) is also provided on the shaft (12) for axial movement therealong. The differential nut (14) meshes with a first translating nut drive gear (2) rotatably arranged on a second shaft (19) which also contains a second translating nut drive gear (36) rotatably arranged thereon. The second gear (36) meshes with a differential nut (32) axially movable along a third shaft (26) for actuating a second system such as a pallet between two positions. The timing mechanism (10) is utilized in a system in which the output of each differential nut (14,32) is caused to operate a brake so that only one system will be in operation and the brake in the other system will not be released until the one system has completed its movement to a desired position.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device for outboard motors is disclosed. The auxiliary steering device includes an elongated housing defining a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating moving mechanism is coupled with the elongated housing for movement along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled with the moving mechanism to reciprocatingly drive the moving mechanism along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A tie rod is coupled with the moving mechanism and the outboard motor to pivot the outboard motor which, in turn, steers the boat in response to the movement of the moving mechanism along the line defined by the longitudinal axis. A controller is also associated with the motor and a mechanism for limiting movement of the reciprocating moving member along the longitudinal axis is provided to limit movement in both directions along the line defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A power door lock actuator avoids back driving the motor during manual operation through the use of main and secondary shafts with opposed external threads that cooperate to send a drive member to a neutral position without changing the direction of the motor.

Abstract: An actuator includes a main shaft (16) at the input of a speed reducing gear unit (29-32) which carries an overtravel stop mechanism. The grounded stops (68) are adjustable by a worm gear (72) to allow a near infinite resolution of the position for the overtravel stop of the driven member (16). Rotating stop members (52) are mounted for translation along the main shaft (16). When traveling nut (44) engages a cam surface (60), cam follower (56) translates the normally rotating stop members (52) in a direction opposing the bias force of a compression spring (36) into a stop condition against the grounded fixed stop (68) on wheel (50).

Abstract: A shock absorbing overtravel stop apparatus which includes a rotatable drive shaft 10, a screw shaft 15 driven by the drive shaft 10, and a nonrotatable travelling nut 30 threaded on and moveable axially along the screw shaft 15. At one end 28 of the screw shaft 15, the apparatus is provided with a rotating stop 38 and a stationery stop 40. At the other end 20 of the screw shaft 15, there is provided a bearing housing 21, journalling the screw shaft 15 for rotation and mounting the screw shaft for axial movement along the axis. The travelling nut 30 is moveable in one direction to engage the stops 38, 40 whereupon the rotary motion of the screw shaft 15 is terminated. The travelling nut 30 is also moveable in the other direction into contact with the bearing housing 21 to exert an axial force upon the screw shaft 15 such that the screw shaft 15 moves axially to engage the stops 38, 40 whereupon the rotary motion of the screw shaft 15 is terminated.

Abstract: A rotary to linear converter has a rotary input shaft and a linearly movable output element. A torque limiter arrests rotation of the shaft at a critical value of torque thereon. A friction device increase the torque on the shaft if a predetermined axial force on the output element is exceeded, this torque increase being sufficient to operate the limiter. The arrangement renders operation of the torque limiter directly responsive to axial force on the output element.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator assembly which automatically releases the load controlled by the actuator when the actuator jams or otherwise fails. The actuator assembly has two kinetic energy sources, the outputs of which are normally summed for application to the load. A monitoring device monitors the two kinetic energy outputs. When the relationship between those outputs deviates substantially from a predetermined relationship, the load is disconnected from the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes an electric drive motor which is connected to a drive screw through a gear train. Rotation of the drive screw causes the drive nut to move axially in order to impart axial motion to an extension member. Limit switches function to disengage power to the electric motor upon the extension member reaching the outer or inner limits of its stroke. Also, a thermal sensing element located in the windings of the electric motor interrupts power to the motor upon the heat-up of the motor windings above a predetermined temperature, as when the drive nut jams or locks up. A sealed housing contains the drive screw, drive nut and extension to protect against entry of dust. The housing has reaction surfaces which cooperate with the drive nut to permit linear movement of the nut while holding the nut against rotation.

Abstract: A high helix, multi threaded screw shuttle transfer assembly (10) for transferring high load devices at high speeds includes a screw (18) having threads (23). Standoff brackets (26) and bearing housing (36) rotatably support and journal the ends (20,22) of the screw (18). A drive motor (50) connected by a belt (52) to a pulley (48) on the screw (18) rotates the screw (18). A nonrotatable nut (54) having threads (56) coactive with the threads (23) of the screw (18) travels along the longitudinal length of the screw (18) during rotation thereof. The assembly (10) is characterized by the threads (23,56) of the nut (54) and the screw (18) each being high helixed and multithreaded.

Abstract: An overtravel stop for a rotary shaft (12) is disclosed having first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, braking torque for the shaft is supplied by the restriction by valve (14) of at least hydraulic fluid flowing in low pressure hydraulic fluid return line (18) from a hydraulic motor (22) which is connected to the shaft by a drive unit (24) in response to movement of a movable stop (34, 36) to a travel limit along an axial travel path to stop the hydraulic motor. In the second embodiment, braking torque for the shaft is supplied by a combination of a mechanical stop produced by the interaction of stop jaws (82, 84) which are respectively carried by an axially movable annular member (32) and a fixed stop (86) and the restriction of at least the low pressure hydraulic return fluid line (18) by a valve (14).

Abstract: A quickly-releasable clutch, comprises a linearly-movable member formed with a spiral thread on its outer surface; an angularly-movable member; an inner sleeve secured to the angularly-movable member to overlie the linearly movable member; a ball received in an opening in the inner sleeve for coupling the inner sleeve and the angularly movable member to the linearly-movable member; and an outer sleeve overlying the inner sleeve and axially movable with respect thereto. The outer sleeve is formed with a first inner annular surface dimensioned to engage the ball and to force it into the spiral thread of the linearly-movable member to couple the latter member to the angularly-movable member, and with a second inner annular surface dimensioned to permit said ball to disengage from the spiral thread of the linearly-movable member and thereby to decouple same from the angularly-movable member.

Abstract: An improved shift motor assembly for selectively moving a shift rod or similar member between two gear-engaging positions for use, for example, in a two-speed axle assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a mechanism for limiting the amount of linear movement of a drive nut of a gear changing apparatus. The movement limiting mechanism interrupts an electrical circuit between a source of electrical energy and a bi-directional motor utilized to move the drive nut, thereby preventing linear movement of the drive nut beyond predetermined limit positions in either directions. The movement limiting mechanism includes a movable electrical contact which normally engages a stationary electrical contact. The movable and stationary electrical contacts form a single pole, single throw electrical switch which is connected in series between the source of electrical energy and the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for limiting the relative rotation between coaxial shafts, including a helical thread about one of the shafts, a nut having a follower received in the helical thread, a spline connection between the nut and other shaft, and means for limiting axial motion of the nut when the shafts are at a selected limit of relative rotation. The follower has a large finger supporting a small finger, and the one shaft has a middle section radially spaced farther from the other shaft than the end sections. The helical thread receives only the small finger along the shaft middle section, and receives the large finger in the shaft end sections when the shafts reach the selected limit of relative rotation. The helical thread about the shaft end sections has a larger lead angle than the thread about the middle section.

Abstract: A valve operator powered selectively either by an electric motor or by a manually operable handwheel, the driving connections from both the motor and the handwheel to the valve including one or more planetary gear sets each having a central pinion rotatable by the motor, a ring gear surrounding the pinion, and planet gears interposed between and meshed with the pinion and the ring gear, the planet gears being rotatable about their own axes and mounted eccentrically on a spider member rotatable about the gear axis, the spider member being operable by its rotation to transmit operating power to the valve being controlled. The ring gears of all of the gear sets are fixed in a rotatable gear case which is turned by the handwheel. A pair of non-reversing torque control devices, disposed respectively between the gear set and the motor, and between the gear set and the handwheel, prevent rotation of the motor by operation of the handwheel, and rotation of the handwheel by operation of the motor.

Abstract: To provide a torque limiting and overtravel stop device for aircraft actuation systems, where the overtravel stop is lightweight, bi-directional, repeatable and on-jamming, and allows for many revolutions of rotation between each end stop, the device includes a drive shaft having an input end and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end. A torque limiter is operatively associated with the drive shaft for rotational movement therewith and includes an input side adapted to receive input torque from the drive shaft and an output side adapted to transmit input torque from the drive shaft. The device includes a driven shaft having an input end driven by said drive shaft and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end with a traveling nut being disposed on the driven shaft for movement between the ends thereof. Gears are operatively related between said drive shaft and said driven shaft to normally provide a relative speed difference between the traveling nut and the driven shaft.

Abstract: An electrically operated tiltable vehicle steering mechanism includes an electric motor of a reversible type which is adapted to drive through a speed reduction mechanism a screw shaft of a screw-nut mechanism. The screw-nut mechanism includes a nut which is engaged with the screw shaft and connected with a tiltable bracket supporting a steering shaft. Stoppers are provided to limit the stroke of the movement of the nut. The stopper includes a stopper plate made of a metallic material of a low frictional coefficient and a rubber cushion. The stopper is located with the stopper plate faced to the nut for engagement therewith and the rubber cushion maintained in contact with the housing of the screw-nut mechanism. The mechanism is provided with a clutch means for allowing a slip between the motor and the screw nut mechanism when the excessive load is applied to a torque transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An overtravel stop for a rotary shaft, including a fixed stop having at least a pair of stop jaws disposed at different radii from the axis of the rotary shaft. A follower member is provided about the rotary shaft and is adapted to rotate with the shaft within a selected travel limit. The follower member is associated with a stop member having at least a pair of stop jaws disposed at the same different radii as the stop jaws of the fixed stop. The follower member is rotationally shiftable with respect to the shaft when the shaft reaches its travel limit. The stop member is axially movable into engagement with the fixed stop when the follower member rotationally shifts relative to the shaft. At least some of the stop jaws have negative rake angles, and a shock absorber is provided behind the fixed stop.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a support upon which a drive member is mounted for movement relative to a frame. The drive member comprises first and second elements which are relatively movable, the one of which may be mounted on the other. The elements are interconnected by a resilient member which transmits the drive therethrough, a drive input being coupled to a one element, a drive output to the other element. A detector generates a signal output responsive to relative movement of the elements which may serve to control a drive transmitted through the mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the support is a rotatable screwed shaft and the first element a traveller thereon upon which the second element is slidably mounted, the elements being interconnected by helical springs.

Abstract: Rotational overtravel stops are often crucial components of actuators used in environments where not only cost but also power requirements, reliability, weight, size and simplicity are important. A bi-directional overtravel stop for a rotatable actuator shaft is disclosed which includes first and second brake plates secured for rotation with the shaft in opposite directions by a pair of oppositely disposed one-way clutches. A non-rotatable brake member is mounted for axial movement relative to the shaft and means are provided for biasing the brake member to frictionally engage one or the other of the brake plates when the shaft has reached the selected limit of its rotation in one direction or the other. The actuating structure of the overtravel stop includes a sleeve over the shaft and secured to the brake member, and a tubular threaded member over the sleeve, said threaded member and sleeve being secured against relative rotation and allowing telescoping relative to one another.

Abstract: An overtravel stop for a rotating shaft has a pair of gears associated with the shaft to rotate therewith. Each gear engages an associated limiting gear and the two engaged gear pairs have different gear ratios. One of the limiting gears is threaded over a shaft which is secured for rotation with the other limiting gear, such that the different gear ratios causes the one limiting gear to translate over the shaft. At selected travel limits, the one limiting gear is caused to lock relative to the other, thereby causing one of the gears associated with the shaft to shift therearound. A cam structure is provided which axially shifts a stop member associated with the shaft into engagement with a fixed stop when the one gear shifts about the shaft. Two different cam structures are shown including a pin and slot connection between the stop member and the shaft, and an ear and cam recess connection between the stop member and one of the shaft gears.

Abstract: A vertically movable welding and/or cutting torch is automatically disconnected from its drive when the torch bumps into a work piece.

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

Abstract: A lead screw is threaded into a lead nut to move the lead nut one way or the other depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw. The lead screw is held in an operative position by springs which prevent it from moving from its operative position until an excessive overload occurs. Braking disks are positioned on opposite sides of a sheave mounted on the lead screw. Abutments hold the braking disks spaced from the sheave to provide a small clearance when the shaft is in its operative position. When the shaft encounters an excessive overload, it will move axially from its operative position and its rotation will be stopped by one or the other of the braking disks. A yieldable support is provided for the braking disks. In one embodiment the yieldable support is a piston-cylinder assembly. In another embodiment it consists of a set of springs.

Abstract: In an actuator system (10) having an air motor (12) for supplying a ball-screw actuator (14) with rotary input. The ball screw actuator (12) has a friction clutch mechanism (206) that limits the torque applied to the screw (176) when the ball nut (166) reaches first and second extreme positions. Thus, the maximum output from the air motor (12) can be applied to ball screw actuator (14) without braking before the positions are reached. A torsion bar and a cam 274 act to regulate the clutch (206) slipping torque to narrow limits, thereby easing strength requirements in the actuation mechanism (10).

Abstract: A speed change mechanism, which includes a housing enclosing a travelling nut on a rotatable screw shaft, incorporates a device for limiting torsional impact loads on the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the torque limiting device is comprised of two groups of annular members at each end of the shaft for frictionally absorbing impact loads created by sudden stoppage of the nut at respective ends of the shaft. Each group is comprised of at least one friction disc rotatably fixed but axially slidable with respect to the nut, and at least one torque reaction member non-rotatable within the housing against which an associated friction disc is urged via spring. Inertial loads created at ends of nut travel are thereby transferred to the housing instead of the screw shaft. In addition, the two groups of annular members cooperate with the spring to provide a pre-load shifter function for the speed change mechanism.

Abstract: Circuit interrupter switchgear including a drawout unit mounted within an enclosure and operable between engaged and disengaged positions by means of a drive means having a two-way position actuated drive clutch. The position actuated drive clutch has an engaging means that is responsive to a sensing means for selectively engaging and disengaging a torque source with the drive means according to predetermined positions of the drawout unit.

Abstract: A ski binding part with a sole holder for ski boots, which can be automatically adjusted to provide the proper hold-down force for different height ski boot soles or ski boot heels by a torque limiting coupling and a bolt which, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, stands substantially perpendicular with respect to the upper side of the ski.