Abstract: A backstopping clutch is provided having improved torque transmission. The clutch includes a housing, an inner race disposed within the housing and configured for coupling to a driven member for rotation about a rotational axis and an outer race disposed with the housing radially outwardly of the inner race. A plurality of torque transmission members are disposed between the inner and outer races such that the inner race is freely rotatable relative to the outer race in a first rotational direction, but the torque transmission members engage the inner and outer races and inhibit rotation of the inner race relative to the outer race in a second rotational direction. Friction discs are coupled to a radially inner surface of the housing and a radially outer surface of the outer race and configured to engage one another to transmit a braking torque.

Abstract: An exemplary method of assembling an elevator machine frame includes situating at least a portion of a motor in a desired position, placing an elevator frame support plate against the portion of the motor, connecting a plurality of support rods to the support plate and connecting another support plate to the support rods such that the support plates are spaced from each other and in a desired alignment with each other.

Abstract: A valve actuator torque limiter (103) includes a moveable shaft (208) moveable two ways in an axial direction and, in use, rotatable to cause rotation of a valve actuator drive shaft (202). The limiter further includes a brake disc (214) mounted on the moveable shaft; a first friction device (216A) located to a first side of the brake disc, and a second friction device (216B) located to a second side. In use, contact between the brake disc and the first or the second friction device stops a motor (302) rotating the moveable shaft. The limiter also includes a casing (102) housing at least the brake disc, the first friction device and the second friction device, and an adjusting arrangement (224A, 224B) for adjusting a position of the first friction device and/or the second friction device relative to the brake disc. The adjusting arrangement is operable from outside the casing.

Abstract: An active recoil control system uses multiple sensors in combination with a solenoid controlled multi-disc brake to adjust the weapon recoil. Using outputs from the sensors, a controller predicts and reacts to a recoiling mass performance, and applies the required braking force, in order to compensate for anticipated or actual variations. Feedback from the sensors allows the active recoil control system to adjust braking during the recoil strokes and counter-recoil strokes in order to optimize the weapon operation and performance in extreme firing conditions.

Abstract: Provided are half system torque brakes, aircraft utilizing these brakes, and methods of installing these brakes. A half system torque brake includes an input cam assembly slidably disposed on a compression shaft between first and second output cam assemblies. The second output cam assembly is disposed between the input cam assembly and a rotor-stator assembly. When a torque differential between the input cam assembly and either one of the output cam assemblies exceeds its threshold, the same rotor-stator assembly is engaged and prevents further rotation of any cam assembly. Specifically, when the torque differential corresponding to the first output cam assembly exceeds its threshold, this assembly advances away from the input cam assembly and pulls the compression shaft in the same direction, which in turn engages the rotor-stator assembly by advancing the pressure plate to the second output cam assembly. The second output cam engages the rotor-stator assembly directly.

Abstract: An arresting apparatus for arresting a rotational motion of two components relative to each other is provided. The arresting apparatus includes a first arresting means having a longitudinal axis and at least one first engaging element, and a second arresting means having an opening and at least one second engaging element. In a first mode of operation, the first arresting means extends through a first section of the opening of the second arresting means such that it is freely rotatable and the first engaging element and the second engaging element are distanced from each other. In a second mode of operation, the first arresting means is misaligned and extends through a second section of the opening of the second arresting means such that the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage and arrest the first arresting means relative to the second arresting means.

Abstract: A linear stopper including a stopper body having an inclined surface with a wedge-like space between the inclined surface and a surface of the guide member with a gap decreasing gradually toward one side of an extending direction of the guide member; rolling elements that are arranged in the wedge-like space so as to be rollable therein; and rolling element pressing means that presses the rolling elements in a direction to bite into the wedge-like space, so that the rolling elements are forced into pressure contact with the surface of the guide member and the inclined surface of the stopper body. A one-way stopper mechanism restricts the relative movement of the stopper body with respect to the guide member toward a side at which the gap in the wedge-like space is large, but allows the relative movement toward a side at which the gap in the wedge-like space is small.

Abstract: An electric fail-safe is operable to move a first ramp between distinct positions. The first ramp is associated with the second ramp. There are balls intermediate the first and second ramps. When the electric fail-safe brake is in an actuated condition, the second ramp forces stationary brake disks to engage rotating brake disks which rotate with a shaft to cause braking of the shaft. There is a keeper associated with the second ramp which abuts a stop surface to limit the amount of torque applied to the rotary and stationary disks after a predetermined amount of braking force has occurred. A brake with a test switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled-friction device comprising first and second elements mounted to move relative to each other in a sliding direction, wherein the device of the invention includes first and second friction members arranged symmetrically between the two elements in order to rub selectively against the second element, each of the friction members being urged towards a wedging position by a presser member, the first friction member being arranged, in a first direction of relative movement between the two elements along the travel direction, to tend to prevent relative movement between the two elements, and in a second direction to exert on the two elements an opposing friction force that depends on a stress applied against the first wedge member by the presser member; while the second friction member is arranged in the second direction to tend to prevent relative movement of the two elements, and in the first direction to exert on the two elements an opposing friction force that depends on a s

Abstract: Disclosed is a cone brake no-back for use with an actuation system. The actuation system may be an aircraft actuation system, for example. The no-back may include cone brakes capable of preventing undesired displacement of an aircraft surface (such as a flap, a leading edge, or a trailing edge of a wing) in the event that an actuator input becomes disconnected or is otherwise insufficient to oppose the load created by the aircraft surface.

Abstract: An asymmetry brake includes a housing, a shaft, a pilot brake, a primary brake, and a ball ramp assembly. The shaft of the asymmetry brake is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The primary brake is movably connected with the shaft. The pilot brake is configured to selectively engage the housing to generate a triggering torque. The triggering torque is transferred through the ball ramp assembly to the primary brake, which in response engages the housing to generate a braking torque on the shaft. The disposition of the ball ramp assembly between the pilot brake and the primary brake allows the ball ramp assembly to return to an operative non-separated condition when the pilot brake is disengaged from the housing. The return of the ball ramp assembly to the operative non-separated condition allows the primary brake to disengage from the housing which releases the shaft to rotate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bidirectional self-locking device including a housing (10) and a gear shaft (20). A first locking device and a second locking device are disposed in the housing (10). When a first locking cam (30) is driven to rotate in a first direction, protuberances on both sides of the first locking cam (30) are respectively in contact with a first locking element (31) and a second locking element (32), such that the first locking element (31) and the second locking element (32) tend to move radially outward and thus tightly press against an inner wall of the housing (10) so as to form a locking engagement. The second locking device has a similar structure to that of the first locking device. When a second locking cam (40) is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction, a third locking element (41) and a fourth locking element (42) press against the inner wall of the housing (10) so as to form a locking engagement.

Abstract: In a pneumatic damper for slowing down movable furniture parts, comprising a cylinder and a piston movably disposed in the cylinder so as to form a displacement chamber at one side and a vacuum chamber at the other side of the piston, the piston includes a seal element which, in one end position thereof, is in close contact with the wall of the cylinder whose cross-section increases toward the opposite end of the cylinder so that the sealing effect collapses when the piston approaches its other end position and the piston includes a piston rod, which has a diameter of less than 35% of the piston diameter and sealingly extends through a cylinder end wall.

Abstract: A motor with a braking mechanism for an actuator includes a main body, a rotating shaft and a braking mechanism. The rotating shaft is disposed through the center of the main body. The braking mechanism includes a friction element and a torsion spring, the friction element is arranged on the external periphery of the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring is elastically clamped at an outer edge of the friction element and an end of the torsion spring is fixed to main body. When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the torsion spring abuts the friction element to brake and decelerate the rotating shaft. With small wear and tear of the torsion spring, the service life can be extended. With a large contact area between the friction element and the rotating shaft, a good braking effect can be achieved.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.

Abstract: A locking device of a rotary shaft includes a clutch member rotating integrally with the rotary shaft and provided so as to be displaceable in the direction of axis of the rotary shaft, a locking member provided in a fixed state to engage the clutch member to regulate the rotation of the clutch member, a biasing member biasing the clutch member toward the locking member, and a torque transmission member rotating under the rotary torque transmitted thereto from a power source, having a boss loosely inserted into a cam groove provided in an outer peripheral portion of the clutch member, and transmitting the rotary torque to the clutch member via the boss. The boss is displaced within the cam groove with switching of the rotation/stop of the torque transmission member or switching of the rotational direction thereof.

Abstract: Friction device includes at least two members, one of which is mobile, or potentially mobile, in terms of relative displacement with respect to the other under the action of an external stimulus. The relative displacement is liable to cause the relative displacement of two friction surfaces subjected to pressing forces, so as to convert the external stimulus into a friction force and to thus control the displacement of the mobile or potentially mobile member. The pressing forces are produced by pre-stressing mechanisms and the members are able to act on the effects of the pre-stressing mechanisms so as to use the resultant effect of the relative displacement of the mobile or potentially mobile member to reduce the pressing forces.

Abstract: A mechanical brake having an axial shifting mechanism arranged on an input drive shaft and an axial shifting mechanism arranged on an output drive shaft. The two axial shifting mechanisms are so embodied that their shifting directions are opposed and that, upon introduction of a torque via the input drive shaft and/or the output drive shaft, the axial shifting mechanism associated with the input drive shaft has precedence over the axial shifting mechanism associated with the output drive shaft.

Abstract: A torque limiter device for an aircraft wing-mounted flap includes a drive input, an output rotatable in response to rotation of the drive input, and a roller-jammer operable in the event that the torque transmitted between the drive input and the output exceeds a predetermined level to apply a braking load to the drive input and/or the output, and a brake device operable to apply a braking load to the roller-jammer device to cause activation thereof.

Abstract: A feedback torque limiter device for an actuator having an input shaft, output shaft and gear reduction for transmitting torque from the input shaft to the output shaft comprises an output torque sensor, and input torque limiter and a feedback mechanism. The output torque sensor senses actuator output torque downstream from an actuator gear reduction. The input torque limiter grounds additional torque from the input shaft when engaged. The feedback mechanism engages the input torque limiter when the output torque sensed by the output torque sensor reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A one-way load self-control spiral type brake, including a reel, two bearing frames on the reel, a brake shaft set between the two bearing frames, and two ends of the brake shaft connecting a transmission shaft. A front end of said brake shaft equipped with a fixing apparatus. Behind the fixing apparatus, a first inner friction piece, a first external friction piece, a second inner friction piece, a second external friction piece, an internal screw thread pressure plate, a tension spring, a connection piece and a brake shaft coupling are provided in sequential order around the brake shaft, and are fixed together by a socket and spigot joint. The inner friction piece and the brake shaft mesh. An external tooth is set on an outer circle of the external friction piece. A front end of the brake shaft coupling is fixed outside of an internal screw thread pressure plate.

Abstract: An anti-back drive system preferably includes a drive housing, a drive ring, a lock ring and an output pinion. The drive housing includes a drive counterbore. The drive housing is secured to an electric motor. The drive ring preferably includes a base member and a plurality of drive projections. The drive ring is secured to a drive shaft of the electric motor. The lock ring includes a plurality of inward facing cam surfaces and a plurality of inward facing loop projections. The output pinion includes a drive gear and a plurality of drive fingers, which extend radially outward from the output pinion. The plurality of inward facing cam surfaces are sized to receive an end perimeter of said plurality of drive fingers. A push on clip is secured to the drive shaft to retain the drive ring, the lock ring and the output pinion on the drive shaft.

Abstract: An anti-reverse input clutch is provided which includes an output member including an output shaft held so as to be rotatable about the axis of an input member, and a cam member which is a separate member from the output shaft and on which cam surfaces are formed. The cam member is rotationally fixed to the output shaft. Thus, each of the output shaft and the cam shaft can be easily formed, so that it is possible to significantly reduce the time and cost for manufacturing the output member and improve the freedom of design thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric actuator capable of effectively absorbing shock exerted on its component part. The electric actuator has a housing, a rod cover, a piston, a feed screw, a sliding nut, two piston dampers for absorbing shock exerted on the piston, a first end damper attached to one of the opposite ends of the housing, a second end damper attached to the rod cover. The sliding nut is axially displaceable relative to the piston when the piston damper absorbs shock.

Abstract: A combined no-back and torque limiter device that automatically prevents back-drive and over-torque actuator conditions with a combination of two compression-type brakes that are selectively operated with a self-energised ball ramp set and torsional spring mechanism.

Abstract: A torque transfer limiting arrangement for a rotational drive shaft. The arrangement includes a torque sensing device for sensing torque within the drive shaft and outputing a signal indicative of the sensed torque. A braking device of the arrangement is actuatable for stopping the drive shaft from rotating. The arrangement also includes a portion for electrically causing operation of the braking device responsive to the signal indicative of the sensed torque above a predetermined value. In one example, the portion for electrically causing operation of the braking device includes a processor. In one example, the rotational drive shaft is part of an aircraft flap actuator system.

Abstract: A fall safety device is provided having a load-bearing rotor 2, which supports at least one locking member 6, which can be moved by centrifugal force and which is moved into engagement with at least one stop 7b of a stator 4 if a certain rotor speed is exceeded and blocks the further rotation of the rotor 2. The locking member 6 and/or the stop 7b is in active connection with a braking body 8, which undergoes a plastic deformation when engaging the fall safety device and damps the stopping process.

Abstract: A high efficiency drivetrain for an agricultural irrigation system is described. The drivetrain includes a ball ramp brake to inhibit movement of a wheel tower when the drive gear motor is not engaged. In one embodiment, the ball ramp brake is a bi-directional ball ramp brake disposed between the drive gear motor and the gearbox of the drivetrain. Utilizing a ball ramp brake such as this, the gearbox can incorporate much more highly efficient gearing mechanisms, such as for example only, involute gears, beveled gears, hypoid gears, planetary gears or the like. The ball ramp brake is enclosed and includes an oil bath that functions to lubricate the components of the brake, preventing corrosion and dissipating heat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a one-way, bi-directional clutch, includes an outer casing, an input shaft, an output shaft and a brake assembly. The input shaft includes a release cam portion and the output shaft includes a locking cam portion. The brake assembly includes a release cam portion that is complementary to the release cam portion of the input shaft, a locking cam portion that is complementary to the locking cam portion of the output shaft, a biasing element and at least one brake pad. The complementary release cam portion of the input shaft and brake assembly are operable to move the brake assembly to a release position when the sufficient torque is applied to the input shaft. The complementary locking cam portions of the output shaft and the brake assembly are operable to move the one or more brake pads to the brake position when the sufficient torque applied to the output shaft.

Abstract: A clutch assembly 10 is provided for a motor having a shaft 36, a worm 40 associated with the shaft and an output gear 42 engaged by the worm. The clutch assembly includes a clutch body 12 having a plurality of pockets 22 in a surface thereof. Each pocket has a cam surface 24 defined by a depth of the pocket that gradually increases from a deep end to a shallow end. A ball bearing 18 is disposed in each of the pockets 22. Spring structure 16 maintains the ball bearings in the pockets. A pressure plate 14 is operatively associated with the clutch body and is constructed and arranged to be coupled with the shaft 36 of the motor. Under certain conditions, the ball bearings wedge between the pressure plate and surfaces defining the associated pocket, thereby preventing rotation of the shaft when coupled with the pressure.

Abstract: A skewed roller brake assembly (20) has a main axis of rotation (x—x), has a first plate (21) adapted to be rotated about the main axis, has a second plate (22) adapted to be rotated relative to the first plate about the main axis, and has an intermediate plate (23) positioned between the first and second plates. The first and second plates are adapted to be axially loaded with respect to one another. The intermediate plate has a plurality of slots (25). Each slot is bounded by a first wall (26) that is arranged at a first angle (&thgr;1) with respect to a radius from the main axis. A cylindrical roller (25) is arranged in each slot for rolling engagement with the first and second plates about the axis of the roller such that the roller axis (y—y) is parallel to the first wall when the first and second plates are rotated relative to one another in one angular direction.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system that includes a pass-through torque activated brake assembly that limits the torque applied in portions of the thrust reverser system drive train. The brake assembly includes two plates that are coupled together with a torsion spring. When a predetermined torque is applied to the torsion spring, the torsion spring displaces the plates from one another. Balls that are positioned in cammed grooves in each of the plates causes the plates to translate away from one another and contact brake surfaces to thereby limit the torque in the drive train.

Abstract: A torque transfer limiting arrangement for a rotational drive shaft. The arrangement includes a torque sensing device for sensing torque within the drive shaft and outputing a signal indicative of the sensed torque. A braking device of the arrangement is actuatable for stopping the drive shaft from rotating. The arrangement also includes a portion for electrically causing operation of the braking device responsive to the signal indicative of the sensed torque above a predetermined value. In one example, the portion for electrically causing operation of the braking device includes a processor. In one example, the rotational drive shaft is part of an aircraft flap actuator system.

Abstract: A braking drive for a control cable or shaft has a drive shaft with a radial journal. A contractible brake ring has opposing ends defining a gap, with the journal in the gap The ring has an exterior surface biased outwards and two interior detents. A stationary interior housing circumscribes the ring, with an interior surface in frictional contact with the ring. An exterior portion of the housing has bosses being disposed within the detents of the ring. Friction between the ring and the housing interior arrests rotation of the journal and drive shaft until a force on the exterior portion of the housing moves the bosses, transferring the force to the ring via the detents, whereby the ring is contracted, releasing the frictional brake between the housing and the ring, thereby allowing rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A skewed-roller brake assembly 10 is provided, including a first rotor disc 12 and a second rotor disc 12. A stator disc 14, positioned between the first and second rotor discs 12, includes a plurality of skewed-roller slots 16 formed through the stator disc 14. A pair of roller elements 20 are positioned within each of the plurality of skewed-roller slots 16 such that a first of the pair of roller elements 21 protrudes from the stator disc 14 in the direction of the first rotor disc 22 and a second of said pair of roller elements 23 protrudes from the stator disc 14 in the direction of the second rotor disc 24. When the first and second rotor discs 12 are moved towards the stator disc 14, the first of the pair of roller elements 21 and the second of the pair of roller elements 23 rotate in concert while transmitting frictional torque to the first rotor disc 12 and the second rotor disc 12 respectively.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system that includes a pass-through torque activated brake assembly that limits the torque applied in portions of the thrust reverser system drive train. The brake assembly includes two plates that are coupled together with a torsion spring. When a predetermined torque is applied to the torsion spring, the torsion spring displaces the plates from one another. Balls that are positioned in cammed grooves in each of the plates causes the plates to translate away from one another and contact brake surfaces to thereby limit the torque in the drive train.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention enables a two-brake torque limiting device to fix the position of one or more flaps and/or slats on an airplane wing when unplanned or abnormal conditions exist. The two-brake torque limiting device may include a trigger brake, a lock down brake, and a speed-increasing device. The trigger brake may use an electromagnetic brake to apply a braking force to the lock down section. The braking force transferred to the lock down section from the trigger section may be transferred through a speed-increasing device. The speed-increasing device allows for the use of a small and a lightweight electromagnetic brake. The invention also provides a method for reducing asymmetry in the wings of an aircraft using an asymmetry detection device, using a trigger brake, using a speed-increasing gear, and using a lock down brake.

Abstract: A failsafe arrangement comprising a first mounting member and a second mounting member which is angularly moveable relative to the first mounting member. The first and second mounting members define first and second surfaces respectively which define therebetween a channel, the first and second surfaces being shaped such that the channel is of non-uniform width. At least one wedge member is disposed within the channel, the or each wedge member being carried by a drive member and being arranged such that, in use, when the drive member and the second mounting member move at substantially the same angular speed, the wedge member does not impair movement of the second mounting member relative to the first mounting member, relative angular movement of the drive member and the second mounting member causing the wedge member to cooperate with the first and second surfaces to apply a braking force so as to impede relative angular movement of the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A no-back braking assembly for a rotary actuator includes a rotatable input shaft, a rotatable output shaft, wherein said output shaft is co-axial with said input shaft, and a braking arrangement operably coupled with said output shaft. The braking arrangement comprises first and second braking members and biasing means, and a torque transfer device mounted between said shafts for transferring torque applied to said input shaft to said output shaft. The first and second braking members are relatively moveable between a first position in which they are in mutual engagement and in which rotation of said output shaft is braked, and a second position in which they are mutually spaced and in which said output shaft is capable of relatively free rotation, the biasing arrangement being arranged to urge the braking members into their first position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a clutch device capable of providing a simple structure, greatly reducing power-application cost and component cost, reducing weight and improving convenience.

Abstract: A vehicle with a braking force retaining unit, which retains braking force after releasing the brake pedal, wherein driving force of the vehicle is increased if displacement of the vehicle is detected while the braking force retaining unit is in operation.

Abstract: A brake drive is described which is characterized in that at least one brake drum (1) largely secured against rotation has in its interior at least one expanding ring (2) which is larger in diameter prior to installation, which after installation has a first inherent expansion friction against rotation owing to its expansion force at all points of the friction faces (5), which inherent expansion friction undergoes an additional expansion and braking intensification up to potential total blocking in the event of a reverse torque on the driven shaft (3) via the driving journal (4) thereof and the driving journal's circular thrust on one of the two end faces of the expanding ring (2) which total blocking contracts the expanding ring owing rotation of the primary hand wheel (6) or primary contracting pivoted lever (6a) at the input side with the aid of the two contracting journals (6′ and 6″) securely attached thereto, again owing to a circular tensile force on the opposing end face of the expanding r

Abstract: A bi-directional back stopping clutch is provided having a hollow outer race, or drum, disposed about a first axis. The outer race includes a radially inner friction surface. The clutch also includes an input member rotatably supported within the outer race and first and second brake shoes disposed within the outer race and in engagement with the input member. Each of the brake shoes includes one or more arcuate surfaces corresponding to the inner surface of the outer race with each arcuate surface defining a slot. The clutch further includes an output pin having a first portion disposed between the first and second brake shoes and a second portion disposed within an opening of an output member. Finally, the inventive clutch includes a hardened insert disposed within each of the slots in the arcuate surfaces of the brakes shoes. The inserts each include a groove formed therein which channels a lubricant within the clutch away from the frictional interface of the insert and the inner surface of the outer race.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes two axially opposed bearings with built-in one-way clutch assembled in a housing member with respective outer races secured to the housing member such that respective directions in which inner races of the bearings are locked against rotation are opposed to each other, a ball bearing shaft relatively and rotatably supported on the inner races of the bearings with bearing bushings disposed between the ball screw shaft and the respective bearings, and two load transmitting collars fixed on the ball screw shaft. When the ball screw shaft is subjected to a thrust load applied from a ball nut in a direction to retract the ball screw shaft, one of the inner race is locked against rotation to thereby exert a braking torque to the corresponding load transmitting collar via an associated friction collar.

Abstract: A brake for a flap adjusting mechanism and a method for condition monitoring are proposed. The brake has one or more temperature sensors (30). In the method for condition monitoring, the temperature signal is compared with a desired temperature (T1, T2) in the signal processing unit in a time period during or after a rotation of the driveshaft (2) in the housing (4) while expending the braking moment. An error signal is produced in case of deviations of the temperature signal from the desired temperature.

Abstract: An output load limiter is provided in an actuator to prevent excessive drive torque from being transmitted from a primary mover through the actuator. The actuator includes a housing, an output shaft mounted for rotation in the housing about an axis, and a drive member. The output shaft includes an external, helical spline. The drive member includes an internal helical spline engaged with the external helical spline to transmit a drive torque to the output shaft. The internal and external splines have sufficient length along the axis to allow translation of the drive member along the axis relative to the output shaft between a first position where the drive member can transmit a drive torque to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft about the axis and a second position where the drive member is restrained from transmitting additional drive torque to the output shaft.

Abstract: A load limiter for preventing stall torque from being transmitted from a power drive unit to the flight control surfaces of an aircraft. The present invention provides such a load limiter in a package having lower weight and smaller spacial requirements than has been heretofore possible. The power drive unit of the aircraft generates torque which is transmitted from a rotating input shaft to a worm gear, to a helical gear, to a ball screw, and to the flight control surface of the aircraft. If the flight control surface becomes jammed or otherwise prevented from movement, the ball screw, and consequently the helical gear, stop rotating. However, the stall torque of the power drive unit will continue to cause the input shaft to rotate, which will in turn cause the worm gear to rotate and interact with the helical gear. Since the helical gear cannot move, the helical gear will cause the worm gear to axially translate relative to the input shaft.

Abstract: Cooperating brake discs, rotors, and stators all are located at the same side of a pair of cam plate flanges. The cam plate flanges are coupled to an inner sleeve and input gear, respectively, with balls and ball ramp sockets for forcing apart the cam plate flanges when an output side is driven relative to an input side. The brake is effective to prevent relative rotation of the output side relative to the input side, but is released by rotation of an input gear for driving the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A transmission with a load brake has a ball spline and a stabilizer ring for reducing chatter, a seal for preventing leakage, and an adjustment mechanism for extending the effective life of the brake disk stack. In the past, transmissions equipped with Weston brakes have experienced significant problems with instability and chatter. The present invention overcomes the problems of instability and chatter by introducing a ball spline at the junction between the output shaft and the loading assembly. The ball spline reduces friction caused by the axial movement of the output cam of the loading assembly. Also, the invention introduces a stabilizer ring around the loading assembly to reduce instability and chatter caused by the angular and transverse movement of the loading assembly. The invention also may also utilize a fluid damper in place of the stabilizer ring to reduce instability and chatter caused by the angular and transverse movement of the loading assembly.

Abstract: A pipe restraint and methods for its use are disclosed. The pipe restraint includes a hollow cylindrical housing of varying diameter. A shaft having first and second wedges is received by the housing. The housing is attached to a fixed structural member, such as a wall and the shaft is attached to the pipe. Depending on the force being applied to the pipe, one of the wedges engages the housing at a point where the diameter changes. The housing's resistance to movement of the wedges varies between two points of differing diameter of the housing. In one embodiment a disc spring assembly is located at one end of the housing. In one method a gapped restraint is attached to a pipe and the size of the gap in the restraint is less than the anticipated movement of the pipe due to a static load.