Abstract: A brake (10) having particular application for a linear motion device (12) includes a channel (82) secured to the base plate (14) in which a body (120) secured to the sliding plate (16) partially extends. A tape seal (112) of the channel (82) extends through a slot (180) formed in the body (120) so that the calipers (15) moveably mounted to the body (120) are located within a hollow interior of the channel (82). The calipers (152) include cylindrical carriers (154) slideably received in cross bores (130) in the body (120) and are biased to a disengaged position by a spring (164) sandwiched between a snap ring (162) in the cross bore (130) and the carrier (152). A diametric groove (156) is formed on the inner axial end of the carrier (154) and slideably receives a side (140) of an actuator element (138) which extends in a non-axial direction.

Abstract: A brake (10) includes a first friction element (30) secured to the sliding plate (16) of a linear motor (12) and a second friction element (36) secured to the base plate (14) of the linear motor (12), with the friction elements (30, 36) located outside of the linear motor (12) in a direction generally perpendicular to the linear movement direction. The second friction element (36) includes first and second caliper elements (54) between which the first friction element (30) can be sandwiched and which are separated by movement of a release bar (62) parallel to the linear movement direction and including cam followers (72) which engage cam wedges (74) secured on the inner surfaces of the first and second caliper elements (54). The first and second caliper elements (54) are slideable upon standoffs (44) extending between side plate (42) of a frame (38). Wave springs (58) are positioned in recesses (60) and between the caliper elements (54) and the side plates (42) for biasing the caliper elements (54) together.