Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake assembly comprising a brake disk stack having a center axis; and a plurality electro-mechanical actuators for applying braking pressure to the brake disk stack. The actuators are circumferentially arranged around the center axis, and each actuator includes a housing, a linearly movable ram, a screw for linearly moving the ram, a nut mounted for rotation in the housing and operatively engaged with the screw such that rotation of the nut effects linear movement of the screw for urging the ram into forceful engagement with the brake disk stack, an electric motor for rotating the nut, and an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the screw relative to the housing when the nut is rotated to effect linear movement of the screw. The foregoing arrangement provides for greater stroke than prior art actuators without sacrificing durability and performance.

Abstract: A brake assembly and system (202) characterized by the use of a flexible force transfer member (230) to enable an electric motor (220) to be mounted remotely from other brake components and preferably at a location shielded from the elements and/or more easily accessible for maintenance and repair. By mounting the electric motor (220) in a less confining area, and using a force distribution device (350) to distribute force to a plurality of rams (342,344), one larger motor (220) may be used to drive multiple disk engagement members rather than several smaller motors mounted on the brake assembly. Since larger motors are typically more efficient than smaller motors, using one larger motor increases the overall efficiency of the brake.

Abstract: A sensor system for providing control of an electric motor having an inductive angle sensor system including a first inductive coil configured for affixation to a rotor shaft of the electric motor wherein rotation of the rotor shaft causes corresponding rotation of the first inductive coil. A second inductive coil fixedly mounted in spaced relationship to the first inductive coil. An evaluation circuit coupled to the second inductive coil and to the electric motor operative to determine a rotor shaft angle for the rotor shaft of the electric motor through evaluation of an induced magnetic field between the first and second inductive coils.

Abstract: A brake assembly and system (202) characterized by the use of a flexible force transfer member (230) to enable an electric motor (220) to be mounted remotely from other brake components and preferably at a location shielded from the elements and/or more easily accessible for maintenance and repair. By mounting the electric motor (220) in a less confining area, and using a force distribution device (350) to distribute force to a plurality of rams (342,344), one larger motor (220) may be used to drive multiple disk engagement members rather than several smaller motors mounted on the brake assembly. Since larger motors are typically more efficient than smaller motors, using one larger motor increases the overall efficiency of the brake.

Abstract: An actuator system for positioning a flight control surface on an aircraft in which a primary braking device provides a continuous braking action to the actuator screw shaft by means of a load bearing disc brake wheel and a pair of rachet wheels contiguous therewith, the torque between the disc brake wheel and the rachet wheel (which ever wheel is being racheted by the load bearing disc) is proportional to the load on the screw shaft (and hence the actuator for the flight control surface). A Hall-effect device is mounted above the pawls associated with the rachet wheels for measuring the movement of the pawls in a closed loop circuit for the purpose of determining not only a faultlessly running braking condition but also to indicate whether a faulty condition exists, as well as what kind of fault is being detected.