Abstract: An incremental braking apparatus and method includes a first rotating member having a plurality of rigid stops spaced circumferentially around an outer cylindrical surface of the first rotating member, and a plurality of flexible stops arranged in a plurality of rows on a stationary member. The flexible stops are selectively movable toward the first rotating member from a disengaged position into an engaged position in which the flexible stops engage the rigid stops to provide a braking action on the first rotating member. An actuator with a beveled edge for engaging the outer ends of the flexible stops is operable to move a selected number of rows of the flexible stops into their engaged positions to provide an incremental braking effect. The rows of flexible stops are staggered such that the flexible stops in adjacent rows are not in circumferential alignment.

Abstract: An incremental braking apparatus and method includes a first rotating member having a plurality of rigid stops spaced circumferentially around an outer cylindrical surface of the first rotating member, and a plurality of flexible stops arranged in a plurality of rows on a stationary member. The flexible stops are selectively movable toward the first rotating member from a disengaged position into an engaged position in which the flexible stops engage the rigid stops to provide a braking action on the first rotating member. An actuator with a beveled edge for engaging the outer ends of the flexible stops is operable to move a selected number of rows of the flexible stops into their engaged positions to provide an incremental braking effect. The rows of flexible stops are staggered such that the flexible stops in adjacent rows are not in circumferential alignment.

Abstract: An incremental braking method and system in which a braked member which is in motion, e.g., a brake drum, is engaged by a series of flexible stops on a braking member, e.g., a brake shoe, to brake the braked member. A rigid stop on the braked member sweeps past the flexible stops on the braking member to cause vibrations. The vibrations are damped as the flexible stops engage the braked member, thereby inhibiting the motion of the braked member. The flexible stops are of unequal lengths and are provided on springs which allow them to retract into the braking member. In this way, the stops incrementally engage the braked member for smoother and more efficient braking.

Abstract: An expansible chamber device in which a cylinder of preferably rectangular configuration supports a pair of opposing flaps pivotally attached to the corners of the cylinder. The flaps sealably and slidably engage the top surface of a piston disposed within the cylinder such that the surface area of the flaps together with the exposed surface area of the top surface of the piston between the flaps constitutes the effective working area of the device. This area is considerably greater than the area of the piston surface itself whereby overall efficiency of the chamber is increased.