Abstract: A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a mechanical brake for a linear electromagnetic motor, the linear motor having a linearly moveable output shaft, comprising monitoring travel of the output shaft over the duration of actuation of the mechanical brake and comparing said travel with a predetermined travel threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling a braking system of an electromagnetic motor, the electromagnetic motor having a moveable output shaft, comprising the steps of: receiving a velocity signal and/or an acceleration signal based on movement of the output shaft, said velocity signal and/or acceleration signal having a respective frequency spectrum; identifying an event from the velocity and/or the acceleration signal using the respective frequency spectrum, wherein said event corresponds to an uncontrolled movement of the output shaft and has a characteristic frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.

Abstract: A method for preventing motion of an output shaft (401), of an electromagnetic motor comprising a coil assembly, when a mechanical brake (400) is released, comprising the steps of: determining the position of the output shaft (401); correlating the position of the output shaft (401) with a current such that when applied in the coil assembly induces a force on the output shaft (401) to prevent motion of the output shaft (401) when the mechanical brake (400) is released.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a mechanical brake for a linear electromagnetic motor, the linear motor having a linearly moveable output shaft, comprising monitoring travel of the output shaft over the duration of actuation of the mechanical brake and comparing said travel with a predetermined travel threshold.

Abstract: A testing machine frame is provided with facing extruded column covers extending between a base and a top housing, the columns continuous cross-sections providing a partially enclosed vertical zone with a vertical opening, the opening being closed above and below a crosshead with accordion blinds, and T-slots for carrying crosshead limit stops and accessories.

Abstract: A power assisted wheelchair has a pair of larger ground wheels with handwheels mounted thereon and a pair of smaller castor wheels carrying motors drivably coupled therewith. The handwheels are rotatable relative to their ground wheels against a spring bias and operate the castor wheel motors on the corresponding sides of the chair through respective switch mechanisms. Variations of this arrangement are possible to suit different ground wheel configurations, the motors can be energized in increasing manner, the motors can be disconnected when the castors turn rearwardly, and the motors can drive through freewheel mechanisms.

Abstract: A testing machine frame is provided with facing extruded column covers extending between a base and a top housing, the columns continuous cross-sections providing a partially enclosed vertical zone with a vertical opening, the opening being closed above and below a crosshead with accordion blinds, and T-slots for carrying crosshead limit stops and accessories.