Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a housing and a rotary actuator carried by the housing. The rotary actuator includes a shaft and armature disposed around at least a portion of the shaft. The armature is configured to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The locking mechanism also has a cam carried by the shaft and a set of locking balls disposed between the cam and the housing. The locking mechanism has a locking assembly carried by the housing, the locking assembly being axially positionable between a locked position relative to the housing and a released position relative to the housing.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a housing and a rotary actuator carried by the housing. The rotary actuator includes a shaft and armature disposed around at least a portion of the shaft. The armature is configured to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The locking mechanism also has a cam carried by the shaft and a set of locking balls disposed between the cam and the housing. The locking mechanism has a locking assembly carried by the housing, the locking assembly being axially positionable between a locked position relative to the housing and a released position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A clutch-driven limited force actuator is disclosed having a motor, a planetary gear mechanism in operative communication with the motor and a clutch plate. The clutch plate includes a contact surface selectively in frictional contact with the planetary gear mechanism to drive an actuator arm. In operation, the frictional force between the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch plate causes the actuator arm to actuate. The actuator arm can be connected to any element that requires actuation. The actuator of the present invention is preferably used in a wheelchair lift to actuate any mechanism that must have a safe limit on the amount of force applied to obstacles and that must have provision for direct manual operation.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for installation in a vehicle includes a ramp platform having a stowed configuration in the vehicle, a deployed configuration extending from the vehicle, and a lift and lock mechanism. The lift and lock mechanism is configured to lock the ramp platform in place when the platform is in a stowed configuration and to facilitate the lifting of the platform when the platform is deployed.

Abstract: A clutch-driven limited force actuator is disclosed having a motor, a planetary gear mechanism in operative communication with the motor and a clutch plate. The clutch plate includes a contact surface selectively in frictional contact with the planetary gear mechanism to drive an actuator arm. In operation, the frictional force between the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch plate causes the actuator arm to actuate. The actuator arm can be connected to any element that requires actuation. The actuator of the present invention is preferably used in a wheelchair lift to actuate any mechanism that must have a safe limit on the amount of force applied to obstacles and that must have provision for direct manual operation.