Abstract: A motor brake apparatus includes an improved torque adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjusting nut having a outer ring groove aligned with an inner ring groove defined in a receiving bore of the brake housing structure. A snap ring is located in the aligned grooves to connect the housing structure and adjusting ring while allowing free rotation therebetween. Inner threads of the adjusting nut engage outer threads of a spring pushing element such that rotation of the adjusting nut causes axial movement of the pushing element. The pushing element engages one or more springs which are thereby compressed or released, depending on which axial direction the pushing element is moved. The spring force varied in this manner results in varying levels of braking torque.

Abstract: A device is proposed for braking an electrically conducting strip (B), said device being mounted in front of a processing station where the strip (B) under tension undergoes further processing and is provided with a magnetic field generating device (3). The latter generates an alternating magnetic field which induces eddy currents in the strip (B) which in turn exert on the strip a force in a direction against the strip's direction or travel (F). The magnetic field generating device (3) comprises at least one rotating magnetic roller (4, 5) which is aligned transversely in relation to the direction of travel of the strip (B) and is provided around its circumference with magnetic poles (6, 7) of differing polarity in alternating sequence. The direction of rotation (R) of the magnetic roller (4, 5) is opposite to the direction of travel (F) of the strip (B).

Abstract: An electromagnetic hysteresis brake is provided with a two-part pole ring with an inner and an outer pole ring part (5, 6) and a field coil (10) and further provided with a rotating ring (3) made of a permanent-magnetic material, the ring (3) projects into an annular air gap (11) of the pole ring which is formed between the inner and the outer pole ring parts (5, 6), at least one of the air gaps (12) of the brake is adjustable.

Abstract: A self holding type connecting device comprising an armature which is disposed movably in an axial direction, a magnetic path member having a cross section formed along a closed loop and having an axial space wherein axial movement of the armature is permitted, a permanent magnet secured to the magnetic path member and forming two kinds of magnetic flux which pass through the armature and the magnetic path member, an electric magnetic coil which forms magnetic flux for moving the armature in an axial direction against the two kinds of magnetic flux, and switch for switching direction of the magnetic flux from the electric magnetic coil. In the device, decrease of connecting force due to abrasion of pads does not occur and power consumption can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A park brake apparatus for a vehicle electric brake comprises an electric motor having a rotational output shaft coupled to a brake mechanism. Rotational movement of the electric motor in a first direction causes application of brake force in the brake mechanism and rotational movement of the electric motor in a second direction opposite the first direction causes release of brake force in the brake mechanism. An armature for the electric motor includes a plurality of radially extending armature arms. A solenoid has a plunger movable between extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the plunger is free of the radially extending armature arms and the armature spins free of the plunger. In the extended position, the plunger engages the radially extending armature arms, locking the armature in place and maintaining a park brake state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic brake system for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of brake disk solenoids for generating the magnetic force; a plurality of brake pad solenoids for generating the magnetic force; a braking sensor for detecting whether a brake pedal is applied; a wheel speed sensor for detecting wheel speed; a magnetic polarity sensor for detecting magnetic polarity of the brake disk solenoids; and a control unit for controlling the brake pad solenoids using signals from the braking sensor, the wheel speed sensor and the magnetic polarity sensor.

Abstract: A motorcycle rear wheel brake functions to allow the driver to lock the rear wheel on an upward incline. This prevents the motorcycle from rolling backwards while freeing the driver's hands and feet. A simple hinge arrangement wedges the rear wheel and the hinge into the rear fork. A solenoid activates the hinge. An alternate embodiment uses a mechanical cable to move the hinge.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake/clutch device includes a drive shaft supported by at least one bearing for transmitting torque, a housing, affixed to prevent its rotation, surrounding the drive shaft, and an electromagnetically activated device within the housing to selectively prevent and allow rotation of the drive shaft. The electromagnetically activated device includes a plurality of cammed rollers acting to prevent clockwise rotation of the drive shaft and a plurality of cammed rollers to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a circumferential disk and the housing includes a reaction ring for engagement with the plurality of cammed rollers. The plurality of cammed rollers are released from engagement with the circumferential disk and the reaction ring by a plurality of tripping mechanisms within the housing. The tripping action uses the locking force to act as a release force merely by changing the boundary conditions of the roller interface angles.

Abstract: A reciprocating axial movement of a drive member (18) in a force actuator is generated by a prestressed tool (17) of Terfenol material being exposed to a pulsating magnetic field. The reciprocating movement is transformed to an axial movement in an application direction of a push rod (21) coaxial therewith. The drive member and the push rod are connected by a connection member (22), which is in self-locking thread engagement with a drive member and the push road and is subjected to a torque from a spiral spring (23) for its rotation during the idle stroke of the reciprocating movement in the direction for advancing the push rod in the application direction.

Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve is disclosed which may be used for uni-directional or bi-directional fluid flow. An electromagnetic driver mounted in a driver cavity of a housing produces a magnetic flux path in response to a variable input current. The magnitude of the flux path is substantially proportinal to the input current. The flux path passes through an armature which is movable within the driver cavity. The armature is connected to a metering spool so that the two move in unison. The metering spool is movable within a main bore between a sealing position and an infinite number of open positions. The position of the metering spool determines the magnitude of fluid communication between pressure ports. A feedback section of the housing establishes a pressure feedback force which impacts on the position of the metering spool and the armature. The valve may also include a spring for biasing the metering spool to a fail-safe position within the housing.

Abstract: A stationary brake member (45) which is used in an electromagnetic brake apparatus, comprises a first press-worked plate (45h) and a second press-worked plate (45m) which are laminated to each other. The second press-worked plate (45m) has plural hooks (45q), (45s) to grip the first press-worked plate (45h). The first press-worked plate (45h) has plural projections (45k) with spaces (45t) therebetween, and the projections are buried in the cast bracket (31), whereby the first press-worked plate (45h) is firmly fixed to the bracket (31).

Abstract: An electromagnetic device is provided for use, for example, as a yarn brake, a rely nozzle valve, a weft yarn stretching nozzle and the like. The electromagnetic device has a pole piece associated with a winding connectable to an electric line. A spring strip is fixedly mounted at one end and projects over a curved abutment surface on the pole piece. In the absence of a magnetic field, the spring strip is disposed in spaced relation to the abutment surface. When a magnetic field builds up in the winding and the pole piece, the free end portion of the strip engages with the abutment surface of the pole piece along an increasing length, for example, to brake a yarn therebetween and, as the magnetic field intensifies, more and more zones of the spring strip engage the pole piece. Consequently, the initial speeds at which the strip moves at engagement and upon cessation of energization of the winding are relatively high.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction brake in which a friction pad on an electromagnet frictionally engages a rotating armature disc when the electromagnet is excited. The electromagnet is attached to a fixed mounting member by a pair of pins which project into holes in the electromagnet. The pins and holes are arranged such that one pin sustains all of the angular thrust which is imposed on the electromagnet by the armature while the other pin sustains no angular thrust and serves to retain the electromagnet radially of the armature. Such an arrangement of the pins serves to reduce accelerated wear which otherwise occurs at the leading edge portion of the friction pad.

Abstract: A manually manipulatable and portable chain saw includes an elongate brake band operatively associated with the cutting chain of the chain saw wherein the brake band is of a flaccid loop construction positioned for selective braking engagement with a brake drum. An electrical solenoid in electrical communication with the trigger switch of the chain actuates the solenoid upon release of the trigger switch to release the trigger switch by an operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-action angular anti-return device for a turnstile, comprising a drum fast to the turnstile, a fixed vee open facing the drum, a roller positioned between the vee and the drum and alternately wedgeable between the two faces of said vee and said drum, a support for the roller displaceable alternately by two electromagnets themselves energizable from a source. A capacitor is charged by the source on each energization of any one of the electromagnets and discharged into the other electromagnet as soon as said energization is interrupted, which then results in the desired unwedging of the roller.

Abstract: An inner pressure pad is positioned on support members adjacent to the disk and generally parallel to the disk. An outer pressure pad is positioned on the support members with the disk interposed in between the inner pressure pad and the outer pressure pad, and the outer pressure pad is generally parallel to the disk. Springs are inserted on the support members and interposed in between the inner pressure pad and the outer pressure pad to urge the outer pressure pad away from the disk. A lever is pivotally mounted on the support members at a distance away from the outer pressure pad, and normally extends generally parallel to the outer pressure pad. Adjusting means are secured to the lever with one end extending to normally contact the outer pressure pad. A frame member is secured to the support members to partially enclose the lever and the disk. The frame member has a fulcrum formed thereon protruding from the frame member to contact the lever on the side opposite from the disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for paved surface cleaners, of a type commonly referred to as auto-scrubbers and comprising a first forward movement control assembly (11) having at least two manually seizable handle levers (13) for oscillation in an angular direction, an electric motor (8) controlled by the handle lever (13) oscillation, and two traction wheels (6) driven by the electric motor (8), and a second steering control assembly (12) independent of movements of the handle levers (13) and having at least two pushbutton controls (21a) located at the handle lever (13) ends and being actuatable manually, two electromagnets (19) connected electrically to said pushbutton controls (21a), and two brakes (9) for the traction wheels (6) applied selectively by the electromagnets (19).

Abstract: An inner pressure pad is positioned on support members adjacent to the disk and generally parallel to the disk. An outer pressure pad is positioned on the support members with the disk interposed in between the inner pressure pad and the outer pressure pad, and the outer pressure pad is generally parallel to the disk. Springs are inserted on the support members and interposed in between the inner pressure pad and the outer pressure pad to urge the outer pressure pad away from the disk. A lever is pivotally mounted on the support members at a distance away from the outer pressure pad, and normally extends generally parallel to the outer pressure pad. Adjusting means are secured to the lever with one end extending to normally contact the outer pressure pad. A frame member is secured to the support members to partially enclose the lever and the disk. The frame member has a fulcrum formed thereon protruding from the frame member to contact the lever on the side opposite from the disk.

Abstract: The magnet body (11, 12, 13, 17) is composed of the winding (13) with U-shaped arrangement of separate parts, wherein specially the side leg portions (11, 12) are radially held together by a plastic shell (14) that also insulates the winding (13) and which grips into the spaces of the arrangement of side leg portions (11, 12) with projections (15), which are axially penetrated by spacer sleeves (8) or bolts (9) and eventually also individual pressure springs (18). The expenses of molding and fine processing for the conventional magnet are spared or greatly reduced and the assembly is also simplified in different respects.

Abstract: A reel brake device for use in a video-cassette recorder comprises a solenoid mounted on a base plate of a deck of the recorder and arranged around a reel shaft erected on the base plate, and a moveable core wire disposed between the solenoid and the reel shaft and below a reel table rotatably supported to an upper portion of the reel shaft, the core wire being actuated by the solenoid.

Abstract: Electrical circuit configurations are described for the operation of an electrically powered actuator in an emergency to drive the actuator to a predetermined position. In particular the actuator is connected to apply friction brakes of a railway vehicle. The configurations have in common are emergency power circuit connected between an emergency power source and the actuator, means for breaking the power circuit when the actuator reaches the emergency position and latching means to prevent run-back. Preferably and in order to minimize size and weight the emergency power source is of limited capacity, sufficient for, say, two such emergency applications and is recharged from a normal power supply; the recharging circuit being interlocked with the latching means such that the actuator may not be released from the emergency position unless the power source has sufficient charge for at least one further emergency operation.

Abstract: Theft-prevention apparatus for a shopping cart of the type having a carriage body, a plurality of wheels and a plurality of wheel support yokes secured to the carriage body for rotatably supporting the plurality of wheels, including a pin extending from one of the wheels; a ball movable between a first inoperative position and a second operative position at which the ball is engageable with the pin; a plate secured to the respective wheel support yoke and having a cut-out section defining an aperture; a ball support cage having an inclined surface for supporting the ball at the first inoperative position out of alignment with the aperture such that said ball rests against the plate; and a solenoid secured to the plate for moving the ball support cage to a position adjacent the aperture in response to movement of the shopping cart in the proximity of a predetermined magnetic field to cause the ball to move from the first inoperative position through the aperture to the second operative position, such that the

Abstract: An emergency brake system for a vehicle, the system including an actuator rotatable upon operation of the service brake, a follower rotatable coaxially with the actuator and normally maintained out of the path of actuator movement, and a sensor sensing malfunction of the service brake to shift the follower into the path of actuator movement, the follower being connected to the parking brake for operation of the latter by the actuator in response to a service brake malfunction.

Abstract: An articulated operating theatre lamp has a handle (19, 20) by means of which it can be moved about several axes. The constructional elements which are movable relative to one another (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are normally secured relative to one another by means of mechanically applied but electrically releasable brakes (18) arranged in the vicinity of their hinged connections (17). Electrical switch means 21 are provided on the handle (19, 20), which actuate the electrical release mechanism (22) for the brakes (18) on being contacted by an operator and thus temporarily release the brakes during handling of the lamp (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An electromechanical pipe snubbing system and an electromechanical pipe snubber. In the system, each pipe snubber, in a set of pipe snubbers, has an electromechanical mechanism to lock and unlock the snubber. A sensor, such as a seismometer, measures a quantity related to making a snubber locking or unlocking decision. A control device makes an electrical connection between a power supply and each snubber's electromechanical mechanism to simultaneously lock each snubber when the sensor measurement indicates a snubber locking condition. The control device breaks the connection to simultaneously unlock each snubber when the sensor measurement indicates a snubber unlocking condition. In the snubber, one end of the shaft slides within a bore in one end of a housing. The other end of the shaft is rotatably attached to a pipe; the other end of the housing is rotatively attached to a wall.

Abstract: To prevent damage to magnetic storage disks from sliding of the magnetic heads over the disk surface during running-out of the disk to a stop, the disk is positively braked when its drive is de-energized, so as to shorten the running-out time.

Abstract: A hydroviscous torque transmitting apparatus of the disc type is disclosed wherein films of fluid are maintained between adjacent discs of a clutch for purposes of torque transmission. Fluid is drawn from a reservoir and supplied to the discs at a positive pressure by a plurality of passageways in a rotating body portion of the clutch. The passageways are constructed and arranged to effectively use the centrifugal pumping potential of the clutch and no separate pump is required for purposes of providing sufficient fluid to the discs to maintain oil shear of hydroviscous operation. Relief flow channels communicating with the passageways are arranged to cause the fluid to open the disc pack when the closing pressure is interrupted and to direct the fluid away from the disc pack. In addition, a fluid reservoir coupling is disclosed for delivery of fluid to the passageways at ambient pressure following the independent pumping of the fluid for some other purpose such as flow through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: An improved electromagnet assembly is disclosed for use in electrically actuated drum brakes. The electromagnet assembly has a cup shaped stamped metal housing. A center pole is mounted in a central opening in the housing which has stepped edges so as to alternately engage the center pole and form arcuate gaps about the center pole. A flux washer is positioned on the center pole to bridge the gaps for increasing the efficiency of the electromagnet. A solenoid winding is positioned within the opening defined by the housing, the flux washer and the center pole and the opening is closed with a friction material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brake assembly having a brake housing and wheel shaft rotatable in the housing. There is provided an armature plate in the housing secured to and rotatable with the shaft. Also provided is a movable actuator in the housing movable rotatably from an inoperative position to an operative position closer to the armature plate. An electromagnet is provided either directly mounted to the movable actuator or indirectly via a mechanical linkage. When the electromagnet is energized it causes the actuator to rotate with the armature plate and thereby move to an operative position where it forces a stationary brake disc and rotatable brake disc into engagement to achieve a braking action. This engagement is released upon de-energization of the electromagnet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction-type clutch (brake) is provided with a multiple armature ring and spring mounting arrangement which operates to effect an air gap across the flux path during disengagement to dissipate residual magnetism and thereby allow a relatively small release force to complete the disengagement.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US80/00017 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 7, 1980 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 7, 1980 PCT Filed Jan. 7, 1980.This invention relates to a control system (8) for moving a frictional coupling between an engaged (15) and disengaged (17) position. A power device (40) is provided for moving the frictional coupling (18) to the engaged position (15) in response to a control device (26) being at a first position (27) and the disengaged position (17) in response to the control device (26) being at the second position (29). A switch device (70) deactivates the power device (40) at the engaged (15) and disengaged (17) position of the coupling and a maintaining device (60) releasably maintains the coupling at the engaged (15) and disengaged (17) positions. Thus the brake is held in the engaged and disengaged positions in the absence of electrical power. The control system (8) is particularly useful on a lift truck (18) parking brake system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake wherein a first component is non-rotatably secured to a shaft or another rotary member and a second component of the brake is non-rotatably secured to a stationary part with freedom of movement in the axial direction of the first component. The second component contains a solenoid which is energizable to attract a friction generating liner of the second component against a disk of the first component and to thus arrest the first component. The width of the air gap between the first and second components can be adjusted by screws which extend radially of the first component or in parallelism with the axis of the first component and mesh with the stationary part. The conical or rounded tips of the screws can shift the second component toward the first component to reduce the width of the air gap. A polygonal array of leaf springs couples the second component to the stationary part and tends to move the second component axially of and away from the first component.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake wherein a magnetizable armature is fixed to a rotary shaft in a motor or machine and a casing for a solenoid and a permanent magnet is non-rotatably fixed to a stationary member of the motor or machine with freedom of movement in the axial direction of the armature. When the solenoid is deenergized, the magnet maintains a friction liner in the casing in frictional engagement with and brakes the armature. The electromagnetic field which is established on energization of the solenoid assists a set of helical or leaf springs to overcome the force of the magnet and to disengage the liner from the armature. The liner can be disengaged from the armature independently of the solenoid and springs by a linkage or by two bolts whose heads engage a flange of the casing and whose shanks extend through registering holes of the flange and stationary member and mesh with nuts behind the stationary member.

Abstract: An electromagnet for brakes and clutches having outer and inner poles and an electrical coil for creating a magnetic field between these poles is provided having a circumferential gap in the forward portion of the outer pole. The gap reduces the flux density over the forward portion of the magnet face while increasing the flux density over the rearward portion. The variable flux density over the magnet face thus establishes an unbalance of forces attracting the magnet toward the armature plate causing the magnet to engage the armature plate heel first thereby eliminating "squeal" caused by magnet gouging and two plane wear of the magnet's friction face.

Abstract: A brake control system comprising an electric brake or the like having first and second electrically-operated brake actuators adapted for separate actuation, an operator-responsive controller for applying a first braking signal to the first actuator, and a control circuit responsive to the first braking signal for applying a second braking signal to the second actuator in substantially linear proportion to the first braking signal when the first braking signal exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A braking system for an automobile responsive to the abrupt release of an accelerator pedal. The system includes a solenoid for actuating the braking apparatus, a first switch adapted to be closed in response to a depression of the accelerator pedal, so as to prepare for the energization of the solenoid, and a second switch adapted to be closed in response to an abrupt release of the accelerator pedal to allow the energization of the solenoid to bring the braking apparatus into effect. The first switch is opened when the accelerator pedal has returned to the original position, so as to de-energize the solenoid and suspend the operation of the braking apparatus. The braking apparatus is brought into effect again by a subsequent depression of the brake pedal.

Abstract: In an oscillograph, a roll of recording paper is supported on a rotatable shaft such that the strip of recording paper passes over a metering roller driven at constant speed by a drive motor. Means to brake the shaft and prevent overrun of the recording strip comprises a magnetic solenoid-operated cone brake, adapted to momentarily place braking effort to the shaft. The cone brake has an appropriate friction liner, and serves to stop the roll, and prevent overrun. The braking effect is controlled by an electrical circuit that provides braking current to the solenoid for a selected short interval of time, sufficient to brake and stop the roll. At other times, there is no power applied to the brake.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction coupling includes an armature assembly, a pole assembly and a coil energizable to effect engagement of the armature and pole assemblies. The armature assembly includes an armature plate and a hub member which are coupled together by means for compensating for misalignment between the armature plate and hub members. The hub member is adapted to be connected to a shaft for rotation therewith and the armature member is disposed coaxially of the hub member and is connected for rotation therewith. The hub member and armature plate include outer and inner surfaces, respectively, which include a plurality of substantially semicircular recesses disposed therein. Each of the recesses disposed on the armature plate and the complementary recesses on the hub member define a plurality of substantially cylindrical openings therebetween each of which is adapted to receive a rotatable cylindrical pin therein to couple the hub member and armature plate.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for providing a dual voltage electrical power supply for a variable load such as an electro-mechanical clutch-brake power transmitter of the type used for instance for a loom transmitter. A control arrangement is disclosed in which high voltage is continuously available under control of low voltage timing and drive circuits.

Abstract: A single lever control unit for operating a vehicle that is driven by first and second variable displacement, reversible hydraulic motors is disclosed herein. The single handle control lever is capable of simultaneously moving a pair of control arms the same amount in either direction to control the forward and reverse speed of movement of the vehicle and also to vary the amount of movement of the control arms by moving the lever about a second pivot axis to control the direction of movement of the vehicle. The control unit also incorporates a releasable lock member that is capable of holding the control arms in an adjusted position so that the vehicle may be driven at a given forward or reverse speed without any forces being applied to the control lever.

Abstract: An electrically controlled brake assembly for a vehicle wheel of the type in which an operating arm is mounted between its ends to turn about a pivot on a backing plate and carries at least one electromagnet on one of its ends. Two downwardly projecting tongues are formed on the lower end of the pivoted operating arm of the brake assembly and ride in a channel defined by a guide which is attached to the backing plate of the assembly, the tongues and the guide coacting to prevent the operating arm from cocking on its pivot during braking.