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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lever-type frictional resistance force variable system comprising an arm whose upper end is rotatably supported by an upper beam; a supporting member which is fixed to a lower beam to rotatably support the intermediate portion of the arm; a braking device having frictional resistance plates connected to the lower end side of the arm, frictional pads provided between the frictional resistance plates, a pressing pad, and a screw rod; a turning lever connected to the screw rod; a ball screw threadedly engaging with the turning lever; a servomotor for rotating the ball screw; a displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of a frame; and a control unit for determining a braking force to be generated by the braking device based on the detected value of the displacement sensor and outputting a control signal according to the determined braking force.

Abstract: The torque limiter described herein is a device for preventing the transmission of torque from a drive source to a torque responsive element when a predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device also provides subsequent mechanical indication that the predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device operates by transmitting torque between two axial members, a drive member and a driven member, having a plurality of balls therebetween with the balls engaged within precisely shaped sockets contained within each axial member. As excess torque occurs, the plurality of balls cause the driven member to axially displace with respect to the drive member, engaging a set of teeth contained on the driven member with a second set of teeth aligned with the first set of teeth and restrained within the housing, thereby preventing torque transmission.

Abstract: A bi-directional back stopping clutch having improved output pins connecting between brake shoes and an output member. During driving, the output pins transfer torque to the output member. When a sufficient back driving force is applied to the output member, the output pin is skewed to move the brake shoes into forceful contact with a brake drum surface. The contact surfaces between the pins and the brake shoes are flat meeting surfaces, and the pins may be spaced apart by including at least one spring or a combination of springs and spacers. The inner surface of the input yoke and the output member openings are laser hardened. The output member and the input member may be provided with a dual keyed hub at both ends, with the hub formed by machining a bore through the part and cutting the keys by broaching.

Abstract: The problem of verifying functional readiness of a braking apparatus including: a brake plate rotatable about an axis; an armature and a reaction plate disposed on opposite sides of the brake plate; and an actuator for urging the armature to clamp the brake plate between the armature and the reaction plate in a manner generating braking torque acting on the brake plate with respect to the armature and reaction plate for resisting rotation of the brake plate, is solved by providing an integral brake integrity monitoring apparatus. The brake integrity monitoring apparatus includes features for reacting the brake torque directly against one or more calibrated springs, as the brake is applied, to generate a calibrated relative rotation of the armature with respect to the reaction plate. The amount of relative rotation of the armature and/or reaction plate caused by the braking torque acting against a reacting torque generated by the springs provides a direct measurement of braking torque.

Abstract: A drop protection device for actuator devices of the type which are intended to raise and lower a load. The drop protection device includes a sleeve shaped member which, during normal operation of the actuator rotates along with a threaded spindle of the actuator. During rapid acceleration of the spindle, such as that experienced when the drive gear breaks down and the spindle rotates freely so as to cause the load to uncontrollably drop, the sleeve shaped member will, as a result of its mass inertia, be brought into contact with a stop device for preventing further rotation of the spindle. Thus, the drop protection device prevents the load from being damaged or causing damage to peripheral equipment or individuals.

Abstract: A compact ball screw type actuator having both load limiting capability above a pre-determined value and position holding capability at all load values above, below and at the pre-determined value is provided through use of a resettable force limiting assembly acting directly on an element of the ball screw, in conjunction with a friction drag device operating directly upon an input shaft operatively coupled through a crossed-helical gear train to the ball screw. The force limiter utilizes axial force on the ball screw above the pre-determined value for engaging clutch teeth to limit the force applied by the ball screw, or to provide the position holding function and for preventing backdriving of the actuator. For force levels at or below the pre-determined value, the input drag device provides the position holding function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jerk arresting mechanism to prevent the back rests of office chairs from unexpected movement such as rebounding and impacting upon users in an undesirable fashion. More generally, the mechanism described positively arrests an acceleration of one part moving relative to another part. This is accomplished in a housing fastened to one of the parts, wherein the mechanism resides, through which a spirally contoured shaft is passed that is connected to the other part. As the acceleration exceeds a predictable threshold, a nut with an outer toothed surface is axially translated relative to the shaft movement and engages a complementarily toothed surface integral with the housing. This engagement stops the rotational and linear movement of both the nut and shaft thereby arresting the movement of the parts relative to each other.

Abstract: A torque limiter comprises input and output shafts connected together by a clutch which disengages to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the output shaft and to allow the input shaft to rotate freely. As the clutch disengages, a brake is applied to the output shaft to prevent it from rotating. When the brake is applied, a latch holds the brake on. The clutch comprises balls which are held in clutch plate recesses to transmit torque but which ride out of the recesses and fall into pockets so that the clutch becomes permanently disengaged.

Abstract: An apparatus is responsive to a reaction force of intermeshing gear members that transmit force through an angle. The gear members include an elongated enveloped worm with a longitudinally extending axis of rotation and an output gear with an axis of rotation offset from and perpendicular to the longitudinally extending axis of the worm gear. The worm gear is movable axially in response to a predetermined reaction force or predetermined torque force. At least one biasing member is disposed adjacent one end of the worm gear, and preferably both ends of the worm gear, for centering the worm gear with respect to the output gear when subjected to a force below the predetermined reaction force or predetermined torque force.

Abstract: A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure.

Abstract: A mechanical device to be mounted on a four-wheel drive vehicle capable of transmitting driving force to the rear wheels while the vehicle is being accelerated and cutting off the transmission of driving force to the rear wheels while being braked. This device has an inner member to be coupled in series with a differential or a limited slip differential device, and an outer ring. On the opposite surfaces of the inner member and the outer ring are formed a cylindrical surface and a plurality of cam surfaces, between which are defined wedge-shaped spaces. A retainer is provided between the inner member and the outer ring. It is formed with pockets to receive rollers as engaging elements. A turning effort imparting device is coupled to the retainer through a one-way clutch. A torsion coil spring for producing turning effort is mounted between the retainer and the inner member.

Abstract: A large-diameter retainer and a small-diameter retainer for retaining sprags are mounted between the inner member as the driving member and the outer ring as the driven member. The large-diameter retainer is coupled with the inner member with a play in the direction of rotation. A switch spring is attached to one end of both of the retainers. To the other end, a turning effort imparting mechanism is coupled through a one-way clutch. The outer ring is coupled with the output shaft with a play in the direction of rotation which is set to be larger than the abovesaid play. When the inner member rotates, the large-diameter retainer will rotate first to tilt the sprags. After the play in the direction of rotation has disappeared, the coupling member between the outer ring and the output shaft will rotate. Thus, the sprags are always brought to correct ready-to-engage positions.

Abstract: Size problems and large power requirements for operating a no-back are avoided in a pilot operated no-back including a housing (10) journaling input and output shafts (12, 18). A brake disc pack (32) is disposed within the housing (10) and is compressible to prevent rotation of the output shaft (18). A ball ramp mechanism (24) has a rotary input plate (26) and a rotary output plate (28), the latter being axially movable to compress the brake disc pack (32). A selectively operable electric pilot brake (70) is provided to retard rotation of the output plate (28) but allow motion via opposing load if disengaged.

Abstract: Volume, weight and complexity difficulties in the fabrication of torque limiters are avoided in a construction including a housing (10), a shaft (20) journalled in the housing (10) and adapted to be connected to a source (22) of rotary power, and a rotary output (28) journalled in the housing (10). A ball ramp coupling (44) is disposed within the housing (10) and includes an axially movable drive element (46) coupled to the shaft (20), a driven element (42) coupled to the output (28), a spring (52) biasing the elements (42,46) towards each other, facing ramps (61,62) in the elements (42,46) at the interface of the elements and balls (64) in the ramps. A first set of teeth (72) is carried by the drive element (46) while a second set of teeth (82) is carried by the housing (10) and aligned with the first set of teeth (72).

Abstract: A cylindrical oil-filled casing (2, 3, 5) has an input shaft (12) on which are mounted a pair of braking rings (17, 26) which are allowed limited axial and circumferential movement with respect to one another. The ring (26) is driven by the shaft and drives the other ring (17) through a circle of angularly-spaced, spring-biassed balls (28) mounted in tear-drop shaped recesses in the opposed faces of the rings (17, 26). Each ring has a frusto-conical braking rim extending parallel to a frusto-conical braking surface (8, 9) provided on the casing part (5). The rims of the rings (17, 26) have angularly-spaced, shallow, chordal segments removed to provide recesses which, during rotation of the shaft (12), pump oil between the braking surfaces of the rings and the casing, to form hydraulic cushions therebetween. Reversal of the shaft torque causes the balls (28) to force the rings (17, 26) apart and into braking engagement with the casing to check rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting system comprises drive and driven wheels mounted on a stationary hub for rotation about a common axis. Radially spaced surfaces on the hub and driven wheel form a space in which clamping bodies are mounted. The space includes wedge portions in which the bodies are disposed, and a spring biases the bodies in a locking direction whereby the bodies prevent rotation of the driven wheel in respective directions of rotation. The drive wheel carries a claw member which forces a respective body out of its locking position when the driven wheel is rotated in either direction, thereby unlocking the driven wheel for rotation. A lost-motion connection between the drive and driven wheels connects those wheels for common rotation after the driven wheel has been unlocked.

Abstract: A drive device with variable torque-limiting system. When a setting mechanism (17) forming part of a crank mechanism (23) is actuated in order to displace a carrier waggon (19) to which a hydrofoil component (2) is fastened, large forces are induced. To avoid excessive stresses on the components, the torque-limiter (15) is designed so that the drive torque is automatically variable within the limits of an adjustment range (88). The drive torque to be limited can, for example, be set at low values at the beginning and at the end of an oscillation path of the setting mechanism (17). The drive torque is varied by varying the preloading force of the spring assembly (47) of the torque-limiter (15). To this end, a comparator (74) detects the number of rotations of the output shaft (38) and varies the preloading force of the spring assembly (47).

Abstract: The mechanism 204 prevents reversal of the torque of shaft 203 by braking two disc members 206, 207 against braking surfaces of a casing 205. Under normal operating conditions the member 206 is turned by a motor 202 controlling a load 200 in a direction which causes its drive to be transmitted through balls 221 to the member 207. In this condition minimal braking occurs. If the direction of the shaft 203 is reversed, the balls 221 force apart contiguous camming surfaces on the disc members so that their braking surfaces engage the casing to brake the shaft 203. Controlled manual release of the load under braked conditions is permitted by turning a handle 224 driving a shaft 210 which turns the member 207. Minimal braking friction during normal operations is reduced still further by creating a cushion of oil between the braking surfaces, the oil being provided by a gear pump 216 driven off the shaft 210.

Abstract: The device (1) to prevent unintentional movements of surfaces (17, 18) which are movable towards each other essentially comprises a cylindrical casing (2) with crosspiece heads (5) connected to said casing and extending in a transverse direction and a safety mechanism (3) within said casing for a screw (4) capable of being retracted into and extended from said casing which screw is connectable via a T-shaped crosspiece to a second surface part.

Abstract: A rotary travel limit stop apparatus having a first rotary member (10) and second and third independently rotatable members (14 and 20) having slightly different numbers of gear teeth which engage the gear teeth on a first member (10) carry a movable stop pin (30) which is adapted to engage a fixed stop member (40) only during a revolution near the limit stop position of a controlled element such as an aileron. A stop plate (54) carrying a fixed stop member (40) is angularly adjusted by rotation of a screw (70) which is received by a barrel nut (64) that is coupled to the stop plate (54) by a protuberance (66).

Abstract: A radial torque limiter, for example, for a geared rotary actuator (1, 1') including input member (S, 8) coupled to an output member (3 or 3') driving a sun gear (4) and planet gears (5) through axially projecting tabs (3g). Roller elements (2) are arranged at ramp sections (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) formed at the input member (S, 8) and output member (3 or 3') for radially outwardly displacing the beam spring portions of the output member (3 or 3') to radially apply braking force between an external surface (14) of the beam springs and an internal surface (13) of a grounded reaction member (12) so as to brake the input member (S, 8) and output member (3 or 3') upon an occurrence of an excess transmitted torque.

Abstract: A power transmission comprising a drive shaft and a driven shaft connected to each other to be relatively rotatable within a predetermined range. The connection between the two shafts includes a cam member axially slidable on the driven shaft. The driven shaft carries a brake device interlocked with the cam member. When an accelerating force is transmitted from ground wheels to the driven shaft, the cam member slides axially of the driven shaft. This sliding movement causes the brake device to brake the driven shaft.

Abstract: A load bearing structural assembly comprising a threaded lead screw having a central axis, the lead screw having a mounting mechanism and an anchor mechanism affixed to one end thereof; the lead screw having mounted thereon a first drive nut having an opening therethrough, the first drive nut having a predetermined load bearing capacity, the structural assembly having a second drive nut having an opening therethrough the second nut affixed to the first drive nut, the second nut having a much greater predetermined load bearing capacity than the first drive nut; the structural assembly having a collet having an interior and exterior, the collet in communication with the exterior surface of the second drive nut upon the interior of the collet, having an opening therethrough, having a transmission mechanism affixed to the first drive nut and the collet, when the transmission mechanism subjects a load upon the first drive nut in a direction along the lead screw, such load will be subjected upon the collet which wi

Abstract: An energy damping device that includes a piston-cylinder assembly having a cylinder and a piston movable therein. A pre-loaded double acting spring, and a friction assembly, are enclosed fully within the cylinder, and engage the piston concentrically. The spring acts against the friction assembly for forcing it into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the cylinder. The friction assembly includes at least one wedge for engaging the interior surface of the cylinder. The friction assembly further includes a plurality of spaced-apart compression rings, that are interleaved with the wedges, for forcing them into radially outwardly directed frictional engagement with the interior surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pair of axially aligned input and output shafts are jornalled from a frame supporting a brake drum about the output shaft and the output shaft mounts two pairs of diametrically opposite brake shoes therefrom spring biased into friction braking relation with the inner surfaces of the drum. One pair of brake shoes are of the self-energizing type to brake the output shaft against rotation in one direction relative to the drum and the other pair of shoes are of the self-energizing type for frictionally braking the shaft against rotation in the other direction relative to the drum. Connecting structure is provided establishing a limited loss motion connection between the shafts and includes control structure to release one pair of the brake shoes responsive to torque input to the input shaft above a predetermined minimum in the first direction and to release the other pair of brake shoes responsive to an equal amount of torque input to the input shaft in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A rotary travel limit stop is provided for the purpose of providing positive mechanical stops for rotating machinery. Second and third rotatable members are arranged in gear mesh relation with a first rotatable member. The second and third rotatable members are provided with unequal numbers of teeth so that rotation of the first rotatable member will cause the second and third rotatable members to rotate at different rotational speeds. This, in turn, causes relative rotational movement to occur between the second and third rotatable members. A movable stop member is provided in movable relation with the second rotatable member and this movable stop member is disposed in sliding contact with an annular groove of the third rotatable member. The annular groove is provided with ramps which cause the movable stop member to move away from the third rotatable member during a portion of its rotation after the second rotatable member has rotated a predetermined number of revolutions.

Abstract: A rotary travel limit stop is provided to cause the rotation of the rotary actuator to cease. Second and third rotatable members are arranged in gear mesh association with the first rotatable member and the second and third rotatable members are provided with different numbers of gear teeth so that the rotate at different speeds when the first rotatable member is caused to rotate. The different rates of rotation of the second and third rotatable members result in an axial movement away from each other by the second and third rotatable members when a cam structure is positioned at a preselected relative location as a result of a relative rotation between the second and third rotatable members.This axial movement of the second and third rotatable members away from each other causes moveable stop pins or protuberances to move into interfering relation with fixed stop pins or protuberances.

Abstract: A unidirectional no-back device having an input shaft and an output shaft and grounded releasable brake structure for holding the output shaft against rotation. A drive train between the input and output shafts has first and second ball and ramp structures. The first ball and ramp structure is operable upon rotation of the input shaft in either direction by a prime mover to release the brake structure and enable driving of the output shaft by the input shaft. The second ball and ramp structure is responsive to torque flow from rotation of the output shaft in one direction to release the brake structure to permit backdriving of the input shaft and prime mover from the output shaft and is inoperative in response to torque flowing in an opposite direction of rotation of the output shaft so as to not release the brake structure and thus preclude rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A torque limiter which includes an input shaft and an output shaft coaxial with the input shaft. A ball ramp torque transmitting device is disposed concentrically relative to the shafts. A first spring is axially disposed of the ball ramp device for normally preloading the device. A friction brake assembly is axially disposed between the ball ramp device and the first spring and operatively associated with the output shaft. Pins extend axially through the friction brake assembly for transferring preloading spring force to the ball ramp device. A second spring is disposed on the same side of the friction brake assembly as the first spring and acts on the friction brake assembly. Both springs are mounted about the output shaft whereby the shaft itself carries the loads of the torque limiter.

Abstract: Overrunning clutch with locking elements securely retained by a respective spring element in pockets having plane end faces and being part of a one-piece unitary cage which spring element includes a spring section extending axially adjacent to the locking element and having a projection which acts upon the locking element with a spring force in the direction of engagement and a restraining area supported by the unitary cage, characterized in that the spring element (18) is made of flat material and the spring section (20) is defined by at least one bend (27,28) of the flat material, that the bend (27,28) extends in the area between the one radial plane (10 and 11, respectively) in which the frontal outer surface of the unitary cage (1) extends and the one radial plane (12 and 13, respectively) in which the end faces (8 and 9, respectively) of the pockets (4) near this outer surface extend with the greatest axial inside width (L), and that the restraining area (19) is retained in a self-locking manner on the u

Abstract: A brake apply system has a rotary input member and two rotary output members which are operable to actuate individual brake mechanisms. Disposed between the input and output members is a differential mechanism which permits differential rotation of the output member so that the brake mechanisms can undergo separate movements during brake application to achieve full braking action. The differential mechanism is comprised of a pair of driven cam members which are rotatable in response to a cam driver which is driven by the input member. The cam driver is movable longitudinally while enforcing differential rotation of the driven cam members to initiate the differential action between the output members.

Abstract: An improved clutch for use with an electric power steering assembly is disclosed. The improved clutch has an outer member, and a cage mounted between the outer and inner members and formed with a plurality of pockets. The improved clutch further comprises a pair of rolling elements mounted in each pocket, and a spring mounted between the rolling elements so as to bias the rolling elements away from each other into wedge-like spaces in the pocket. In the event that an associated driving system fails, the improved clutch of this invention is disconnected from the steering wheel since the outer member coupled to the driving system becomes unlocked from the inner member which is coupled to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A bidirection brake for a rotary device prevents a reverse load or an overrunning load at the output of the rotary device from rotating the output in either direction. The brake includes a pair of opposing plates having pockets formed in their surfaces which contain movable balls. A reverse load or an overrunning load causes relative motion between the plates which in turn causes the balls to move to shallower parts of the pockets thereby forcing the plates axially apart. As the plates move apart, they each engage respective skewed roller assemblies which inhibit the rotation of the plates and the shafts which are connected to the plates. The breakout and running friction of the skewed roller assemblies are almost equal so that the brake operates smoothly when it is engaged and when it is released.

Abstract: A no-back mechanism including a rotatable screw shaft 16, rotatable drive element 70 on the screw shaft 16, a limited lost motion connection 72 between the screw shaft 16 and the drive element 70, a thrust plate 28 on the screw shaft 16, first and second friction discs 30, 32 sandwiching the thrust plate 28 and being journaled by bearings 38, 40 for rotation with the thrust plate 28, first and second one way clutches 54, 56 respectively associated with the first and second friction discs 30, 32 for respectively allowing the first friction disc 30 to rotate in one direction but not the other and for allowing the second friction disc 32 to rotate in the other direction but not in the first direction, a ratchet ring 86, 88 surrounding the screw shaft 16, first and second oppositely directed pawls 104, 106 carried by the screw shaft 16 and engageable with the ratchet ring 86, 88 for preventing relative motion between the screw shaft 16 and the ratchet ring 86, 88 in the direction the associated pawl 104, 106 is d

Abstract: A concentric, isokinetic exercise apparatus providing accommodating resistance to the exercising user, while maintaining constant speed. The user exercises on a wheel, crank, lever or similar device. The power exerted by the user is applied directly or coupled by means of gears or chains to a rotating brake assembly comprising a braking rotor and a threaded hub. The threaded hub meshes with a threaded axle, turned by a reference motor at a selected speed. When hub and axle rotate at the same speed, the hub does not change its axial position. Any difference of rotational speed between axle and hub results in axial movement of the hub. Whichever of the two speeds is the larger determines the direction of axial movement. If the speed of the hub exceeds that of the axle, the hub with its attached brake rotor is moved towards the brake stator, thereby causing braking action.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the ball screw drive and other agencies involved in the operation of a movable slide of a machine tool from becoming contaminated by cutting fluids, mist, metal dust, chips, etc. An encasement provides a substantially closed chamber for the ball screw and nut. The apparatus also protects the drive from mechanical damage by stopping the rotational inertia of the ball screw when excessive resistance to motion is encountered.

Abstract: An energy absorber for preventing vehicle damage during low speed collisions comprising a threaded post for slideably mounting a vehicle bumper to a vehicle structure, a housing for tightly embracing a friction member, a friction member rotatably mounted in the housing, a sleeve engaging the threaded post which is responsive to the movement of the bumper for rotatably driving the friction member and a clutch for engaging the friction member with the sleeve. During a low speed vehicle impact, the inward displacement of the vehicle's bumper, with respect to the vehicle's structure, rotatably drives the friction member in the housing and the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is absorbed by the work done in rotating the friction member in the housing. After the impact, the bumper is returned to its initial position by a spring.

Abstract: A bi-directional force limiting no-back mechanism including a rotatable and axially shiftable shaft with a plate secured thereto. First and second ratchet wheels are generally coaxial with the shaft and relatively rotatable with respect thereto. The rachet wheels sandwich the plate and have peripheral ratchet teeth. First and second pawls are engageable with the rachet teeth on respective ones of the rachet wheels and first and second sets of force limiting teeth are disposed on the sides of the rachet wheels opposite the plate. First and second stationary stops are respectively engageable with the sets of teeth upon axial movement of the associated ratchet wheel in a direction away from the plate. Preloaded springs bias the ratchet wheels toward the plate and stops limit movement of the ratchet wheels toward the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the amount of torque from a drive source applied to a torque responsive element in which a pair of rotatable cam plates have opposing faces formed with radially extending grooves. A plurality of angularly spaced balls are provided for respectively engaging within the opposing ramp grooves. A retainer plate is sandwiched between the opposing cam plates, with angularly spaced holes for freely receiving and radially retaining the balls. The retainer plate has periheral walls for surrounding, journalling and piloting the cam plates.

Abstract: A mechanical, vibration-preventing means to be used on mechanical and hydraulic presses, bar cutters, shearing machines and the like preferably cyclicly working machine tools with a pulse-like pressing process is adapted to absorb the stroke at punching and cutting in plates, bars, and the like articles of metal, plastics or another material by the resilient energy deriving from the deflection of the machine frame instead of being converted into vibrations and noise immediately after break through of the material being converted directly into rotational energy in a flywheel through a roller screw connection. This roller screw connection transforms the translatory movement of the machine tools into rotation.

Abstract: An inertia stop by which excessive movement between two members may be prevented, includes a unit that may be fixed to one of the members and a further unit that includes a free component and a component that may be fixed to the other of the members, one component being in the form of an externally threaded shaft and the other component being in the form of an internally threaded block that is loosely rotatable on, relatively to, the shaft with the threads engaging so that the free component may rotate relatively to the other between a position in which it is dissociated from the first unit and a position in which is engages with the first unit so that further rotation in that direction is prevented.

Abstract: A device for limiting the torque transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft comprises a spring-loaded clutch interconnecting said shafts. Relative movement between parts of the clutch when a predetermined output torque is exceeded results in application of a brake which arrests the output shaft. A subsequent increase in torque load results in application of an increased braking force by a second spring whose deformation results in operation of a latched indicator. The indicator is not therefore responsive to low-level transient torque overloads.

Abstract: A device is provided for causing the force applied by a rotary transmission to a driven apparatus to have a substantially constant limiting value of the range of operation of the apparatus, and comprises a clutch which is responsive to the transmitted torque and to the operating position of an output member of the device, and a brake which is responsive to relative movement of the clutch parts to arrest at least the output member.

Abstract: A drive release brake assembly for controlling rotation includes a wedge member carried between a pair of substantially planar facing cam plate surfaces by an axial core member. The wedge member is prevented from rotating about the core member and include axially extending, rotatable cylinders which extend into contact with the cam surfaces. When the cam surfaces are aligned, the cylinders ride on the cam surfaces to permit relative rotation between the cam surfaces and the core member. When the cam surfaces are moved out of alignment, the distance between them is less than the axial length of the wedge member, causing the cylinders to wedge tightly between the cam surfaces. Because the wedge member is prevented from rotating relative to the core member, when it is wedged or locked between the cam surfaces, the latter are also prevented from rotating relative to the core member.