Abstract: The present invention is a dynamically steerable mono belt apparatus and includes a first pivotable body element in communication with a second pivotable body element. A first pivot mechanism is attached to and positioned between the first pivotable body element and the second pivotable body element to allow the first pivotable body element to pivot in a first pivot plane of movement with respect to the second pivotable body element. The present invention also includes a continuous belt element formed as a loop and continuously rotatable in a first plane of rotation around the first pivotable body element, the first pivot mechanism and the second pivotable body element. The continuous belt element is flexible in the pivot plane of movement, such that when the first pivotable body element is pivoted, via the first pivot mechanism, in the pivot plane of movement, the continuous belt element is flexed.

Abstract: A controllable pneumatic apparatus including a pneumatic actuator coupled with a linear-acting brake including a field responsive medium. The pneumatic actuator has a housing with a gas cavity, a first piston slidably disposed in the gas cavity subdividing the gas cavity into first and second gas chambers, and an output member coupled to the first piston. The linear-acting controllable brake includes a medium containing cavity subdivided into a first and second chambers, and a second piston rigidly interconnected with, and longitudinally aligned with, the first piston. A passageway interconnects the first and the second chambers and a field responsive medium (e.g., a magnetic fluid) is contained in the passageway. A field generator produces a field to change a rheology of the medium and cause a braking force to be applied to the output member to control motion thereof. A preferable control method implements motion control based upon the kinetic energy and the braking force in the system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a caster wheel foot brake assembly which may be used with casters on items such as shopping carts, strollers, moving carts, furniture and the like.The brake assembly includes a foot pedal, pair of connector arms, brake arm, U-shaped braking foot and hinge spring which form an overcenter locking mechanism.In order to engage the braking foot with the caster wheel, the user pushes down on the rear portion of the foot pad, thereby moving the braking foot overcenter in toggle fashion into a releasably locked braking position. In order to disengage the brake, the user may either push down on the front portion of the foot pad or pull back on the shopping cart or other item attached to the caster, thereby moving the braking foot back overcenter into a disengaged nonbraking position.