Abstract: A force-limiting rotary lock (20) for a shaft (21) mounted on a housing (22) for rotational and axial movement relative thereto, broadly includes a lug member (28) provided on the shaft, and a pawl (51) mounted on the housing. The pawl is movable relative to the housing between first and second positions. The pawl is operatively arranged to engage the lug when the pawl is in its first position (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent further rotation of the shaft in one angular direction, and to be disengaged from the lug when the pawl is in its second position (shown in FIG. 2) to permit rotation of the shaft in either angular direction. A cam (25) is mounted on the shaft, and a follower (49) is mounted on the housing for selectively moving the pawl between the first and second positions when the shaft is axially displaced from its predetermined position.

Abstract: A force-limiting rotary lock (20) for a shaft (21) mounted on a housing (22) for rotational and axial movement relative thereto, broadly includes a lug member (28) provided on the shaft, and a pawl (51) mounted on the housing. The pawl is movable relative to the housing between first and second positions. The pawl is operatively arranged to engage the lug when the pawl is in its first position (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent further rotation of the shaft in one angular direction, and to be disengaged from the lug when the pawl is in its second position (shown in FIG. 2) to permit rotation of the shaft in either angular direction. A cam (25) is mounted on the shaft, and a follower (49) is mounted on the housing for selectively moving the pawl between the first and second positions when the shaft is axially displaced from its predetermined position.

Abstract: Limit stop apparatus wherein a driven shaft rotates a predetermined number of revolutions in either direction whereupon a travelling nut assembly contacts a shock absorbing stop to terminate shaft rotation by frictionally jamming screw threads between the nut assembly and the driven shaft. Outer and inner portions of the nut assembly are connected for limited relative rotational motion on non-jamming auxiliary threads, thus permitting the driven shaft to be backed off to release the nut assembly from the shock absorbing stop and thereby release the jammed threads with a minimum of available torque. By this structure, locking of the limit stop at either end is prevented.