Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide novel support brackets that can be utilized in existing fencing systems to convert at least part of a fence into an invisible gate. A support bracket may include, but is not limited to, a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, at least one collateral rib on each side of a fence railing holder, and perhaps even at least four guide projections on a back of a support bracket.

Abstract: A ball-detent torque-limiting assembly has breakout means for maintaining an axial separation distance between opposing pocketed surfaces of the assembly once the primary balls of the assembly have rolled out of their pockets, wherein the axial separation distance maintained by the breakout means is at least as great as the diameter of the balls. The breakout means may include a plurality of secondary balls deployed in a breakout event. The breakout means assumes the axially directed spring load that urges the opposing pocketed surfaces together, thereby preventing the primary balls from entering and exiting the pockets in quick and violent succession following breakout and avoiding damage to the torque-limiting assembly. The torque-limiting assembly is resettable by counter-rotation following a breakout event.

Abstract: A ball-detent torque-limiting assembly has breakout means for maintaining an axial separation distance between opposing pocketed surfaces of the assembly once the primary balls of the assembly have rolled out of their pockets, wherein the axial separation distance maintained by the breakout means is at least as great as the diameter of the balls. The breakout means may include a plurality of secondary balls deployed in a breakout event. The breakout means assumes the axially directed spring load that urges the opposing pocketed surfaces together, thereby preventing the primary balls from entering and exiting the pockets in quick and violent succession following breakout and avoiding damage to the torque-limiting assembly. The torque-limiting assembly is resettable by counter-rotation following a breakout event.

Abstract: The present invention improves a ball-detent torque-limiting assembly by providing breakout means for maintaining an axial separation distance between opposing pocketed surfaces of the assembly once the balls have rolled out of their pockets, wherein the axial separation distance maintained by the breakout means is at least as great as the diameter of the balls. The breakout means assumes the axially directed spring load that urges the opposing pocketed surfaces together, thereby preventing the balls from entering and exiting the pockets in quick and violent succession following breakout and avoiding damage to the torque-limiting assembly. The torque-limiting assembly is resettable by counter-rotation following a breakout event.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved standby locking mechanism (20) that is adapted to be used with a ball screw actuator. The actuator has a rotatable screw shaft (21) and has a primary nut (22) mounted on a movable member (23) and threadedly engaging the screw shaft. The standby locking mechanism (20) is also mounted on the member (23) and is operatively arranged to prevent further axial or rotative movement of the screw shaft in the event of a failure of the primary nut. The standby locking mechanism includes a sensing mechanism (30) for sensing a failure of the primary nut, and locking mechanisms (29L, 29R) responsive to the sensing mechanism for selectively locking the screw shaft to the member upon a sensed failure of the primary nut.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved standby locking mechanism (20) that is adapted to be used with a ball screw actuator. The actuator has a rotatable screw shaft (21) and has a primary nut (22) mounted on a movable member (23) and threadedly engaging the screw shaft. The standby locking mechanism (20) is also mounted on the member (23) and is operatively arranged to prevent further axial or rotative movement of the screw shaft in the event of a failure of the primary nut. The standby locking mechanism includes a sensing mechanism (30) for sensing a failure of the primary nut, and locking mechanisms (29L, 29R) responsive to the sensing mechanism for selectively locking the screw shaft to the member upon a sensed failure of the primary nut.