Electric Release Patents (Class 188/171)
  • Patent number: 6655506
    Abstract: An assembly for actuating a parking brake comprises a screw, a nut mounted for translation on the screw, and a cable connected between the brake and the nut. A compliant element is mounted on the screw, and is adapted to expand axially with a change in tension in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks, Douglas E. Poole
  • Patent number: 6655507
    Abstract: An electrically operated parking brake apparatus that includes an electric motor and a screw mechanism The screw mechanism includes a screw-threaded shaft adapted to be rotationally driven by the electric motor, and a nut member meshing with the screw-threaded shaft, the nut member being movable along the screw-threaded shaft by the rotation of the screw-threaded shaft. The parking brake apparatus also includes a transmission member connected to the nut member for transmitting a brake operating force to a wheel brake, and a rotation preventing unit for preventing the rotation of the screw-threaded shaft so as to hold the brake operating force by fixing the position of the nut member relative to the screw-threaded shaft. The rotation preventing unit in one embodiment is an electromagnetic brake for confining the screw-threaded shaft to a stationary portion of a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Miyakawa, Makoto Taniguchi, Fumikage Yamanaka, Yoshihiro Iwagawa, Keiyu Kin, Yutaka Kichima
  • Patent number: 6642636
    Abstract: An automatically acting braking system for a stepper motor (10) of the type having a rotor (18) that is radially centered within a stationary stator (12) and which rotates about the central axis of a central shaft (30). The rotor (18) is allowed to axially slide back and forth, biased in one direction continually by a resilient means (40). When the stator (12) is energized, it pulls the rotor (18) to an axially centered position within stator (12), but when it is de energized, the resilient means (40) pushes the rotor (18) to one side, lockingly engaging its teeth (24) with the teeth (44) of a fixed locking ring (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald John Enzinna
  • Patent number: 6634465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-loaded brake with a first housing part (2) connected to a first brake calliper arm (26) and a second housing part (14) connected to a second brake calliper arm (28) and with an actuation device (18), by means of which the first and second housing part (2, 14) are capable of being moved relative to one another. The air passage as well as the wear of this spring-loaded brake can be monitored reliably and in a simple manner by means of a measuring device (7, 10) which continuously monitors the change in the relative position of the housing parts (2, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Tüschen & Zimmermann
    Inventor: Alfred Tüschen
  • Publication number: 20030111306
    Abstract: To accurately detect a trouble of a magnetic brake (2) by eliminating any effect of a temperature of a location at which an elevator is installed, a temperature sensor (3) is arranged to measure a temperature of the magnetic brake (2). When an armature (2c) has been attracted responsive to a brake release command, the temperature of the magnetic brake is measured as a first temperature, and before the armature returns responsive to a brake actuation command, the temperature of the magnetic brake is measured as a second temperature. The first and second temperatures are compared with each other. When a result of the comparison between the first and second temperatures is determined to be greater than a predetermined value, the magnetic brake (2) is determined to have been locked and hence, to have developed a trouble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Watanabe, Hiroshi Kiyosugi, Mikio Nakai, Yuki Ishida, Toshiaki Matsuo, Takashi Sekiya
  • Patent number: 6543587
    Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly has a rotor that mounts to a shaft of the vehicle for rotation with it. The rotor has an annular braking surface. A hydraulic piston is non-rotatably mounted to the vehicle. The piston is movable axially relative to the rotor and has a braking surface for frictional engagement with the braking surface of the rotor when hydraulic fluid pressure is supplied to the piston. A coil body having an electromagnetic coil is axially movable relative to the rotor. A coil plate is mounted adjacent the coil body and is attracted to the coil body when electrical power is supplied to the coil. A coil spring is mounted between the coil plate and the coil body. The coil spring moves the coil plate away from the coil body causing braking action when the electrical power is removed from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Stromag, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20030057037
    Abstract: The brake assembly includes a motor shaft connected to a friction disk assembly. Springs housed in a field cup assembly, frictionally link a clapper plate assembly and friction disk assembly against a mounting plate to activate the brake. To disengage the brake, the field cup assembly magnetically attracts the clapper plate thereto and the friction disk assembly is free to rotate. For manual release, rotation of a lever arm against a reaction plate compresses a wave spring to generate an opposing force which overcomes the springs, thereby forcing the clapper plate assembly away from the friction disk assembly to allow rotation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin L. Maurice
  • Patent number: 6536563
    Abstract: A brake apparatus has a base plate and a first brake disk movable in an axial direction. The apparatus also has a second brake disk positioned remote from the base plate relative to the first brake disk. A brake operating device is connected essentially torsion-proof with the first and second brake disks and is positioned between the base plate and the first and second brake disks. A friction lining is positioned between the first and second brake disks and is carried on an input shaft in a torsion-proof manner relative to the shaft. The input shaft is rotatable relative to the base plate. A sleeve type spacer has a fastener passing through the sleeve. The sleeve is adjustable in the axial direction to keep a distance between the first and second brake disks. The sleeve and the fastener axially retain the second brake disk at the selected distance from the first brake disk during operation of the brake apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pintsch Bamag Antriebs-und Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schlehbusch, Burkhard Gärtner
  • Publication number: 20030051951
    Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly has a rotor that mounts to a shaft of the vehicle for rotation with it. The rotor has an annular braking surface. A hydraulic piston is non-rotatably mounted to the vehicle. The piston is movable axially relative to the rotor and has a braking surface for frictional engagement with the braking surface of the rotor when hydraulic fluid pressure is supplied to the piston. A coil body having an electromagnetic coil is axially movable relative to the rotor. A coil plate is mounted adjacent the coil body and is attracted to the coil body when electrical power is supplied to the coil. A coil spring is mounted between the coil plate and the coil body. The coil spring moves the coil plate away from the coil body causing braking action when the electrical power is removed from the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6520299
    Abstract: An elevator drive includes a casing with a shaft supported by spaced shaft bearings. Arranged on the shaft between the bearings are a traction sheave and a brake disk. On a free end of the shaft is a motor ventilated by fans. Arranged on the casing is a symmetrically constructed braking device with two single-arm brake levers having brake linings which, when braking occurs, press against the traction sheave and bring it to a standstill. Provided on a free end of each brake lever is a compression spring that is supported at one end on the brake lever and on the other end on a spring pin. The spring force of the compression spring acts on the brake lever thereby causing the brake lining to press against the traction sheave. To release the brake lever, a brake magnet provided with an armature plate is arranged on a brake lever, the brake magnet and the armature plate acting against the force of the compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: André Rimann, Renate Murer
  • Patent number: 6522967
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and program product that controls the release of an electronically activated parking brake. An algorithm adjusts for cable stretch and limits the occurrence of over-release and wheel drag within the brake system. A controller monitors force incident on an actuator during a brake release operation. When a preset load is indicated, the controlling parameter of the algorithm transitions from force to position control. Once in position control, the controller uses previous position measurements and equipment specific constants to calculate a release point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks, Paul F. Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6513632
    Abstract: A park brake system for vehicles is provided that has an actuator with an electric drive motor and an electronic control unit provided with an interface. A reduction gear has an input connected to the output of the electric motor and an output member for connection to mechanical brakes of the vehicle. A command unit has a transducer connected to the electronic control unit. The transducer converts position indication signals into appropriate digital signals to enable the control unit to generate corresponding brake control commands. With appropriate control signals from the electronic control unit, the mechanical brake system can thus reflect positional brake commands from the command unit within an operating range from OFF to ON, including partial activation conditions of the park brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 6478124
    Abstract: A brake device has magnets arranged on a frame that is fastened to a bearing pedestal of an elevator drive machine. The frame includes a pair of spaced stabilizers attached to a pair of magnet carriers on which the magnets are fastened. The magnets act on disk armatures arranged on brake arms pivoted on the pedestal. The magnetic forces act in opposition to the spring forces of compression springs and release the brake shoes from a brake drum, the forces which then occur being absorbed by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Andrzej Cholinski
  • Patent number: 6459182
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor (1) with a rotor (2) and a housing (3) that has at one end a brake-mounting end shield (4) to support a shaft (5) of the rotor (2) that passes through the brake-mounting end shield (4). The electric motor (1) further comprises an electromagnetically actuated brake (10), which comprises a magnet body (17) with a brake coil (11). An armature plate (13), which can be pulled by the magnet body (17) against a braking pressure force exerted by springs (12), is substantially nonrotatably mounted in a guide mechanism (15) but can be axially displaced in the direction of the shaft (5). A brake rotor (20), against which the armature plate (13) is apposed with the braking pressure when no current is flowing through the brake coil (11), is fixed to the shaft (5), preferably by way of a drive element (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Pfann, Gerhard Flörchinger
  • Patent number: 6446769
    Abstract: The invention relates to braking apparatus for a linear motor driven load, where the motor comprises a source of electrical energy, a bed having a braking surface, and a load carrying member operably interconnected to the bed for relative movement with respect thereto. The braking apparatus comprises, a brake arm pivotally mounted at its proximal end to the load carrying member. A frictional braking pad is disposed on the distal end of the brake arm in opposing relation to the braking surface on the linear motor's bed. A biasing apparatus, such as a spring, is in contact with the brake arm for pivoting the brake arm with respect to the load carrying member and placing the brake pad of the brake arm in contact with the braking surface on the bed of the linear motor. An electrically responsive solenoid is coupled to the source of electrical energy for overcoming the biasing apparatus during times when electrical power is being supplied to the linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory A. Kangiser, Patrick J. Moreland
  • Patent number: 6439355
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake system is disclosed for controlling motion of a component that is movable relative to the brake system. The system includes a magnet body mounted to a support and having at least one electrically controlled magnetic device on it for generating a magnetic force when activated. A back plate is mounted adjacent to the magnet body on one side of a movable component. An armature plate is located between the magnet body and the movable component. At least one spring is located on the magnet body between the magnet body and the armature plate for biasing the armature plate away from the magnet body. The spring has a spring force that is less than the magnetic force of the magnetic device such that activation of the magnetic device urges the armature plate toward the magnet body, overcoming the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. Kimble
  • Publication number: 20020100646
    Abstract: The brake includes a housing for mounting and a disc assembly. The disc assembly engages a drive shaft for rotation therewith. A flange on the disc assembly receives a first ring and a second ring, each ring is slideably engaged to the flange for axial motion. Release plates adjacent to the second ring are free to move in an axial direction. A field cup has springs to bias the release plates against the second ring and o-rings to facilitate quiet operation of the elevator car brake. When no current flows through the coil, the release plates are biased against the second ring. Thus, the second ring engages the friction surface of the housing to park and hold the drive shaft. When current flows through the coil, the first and second release plates are drawn to the field cup, overcome the bias force of the springs and compress the o-rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin L. Maurice, Timothy J. Dahlstrom, Stephen E. Nyquist, Jon L. Masthay
  • Patent number: 6412613
    Abstract: An electric motor brake has a printed circuit board which circumferentially locates and. Returns a plurality of electromagnetic coil assemblies within a coil housing. The circuit board simplifies both the assembly and wiring associated with the electric motor brake. The circuit board is located within the coil housing and a stand off located between the printed circuit, board and the coil housing electrically connects the coil stators of each coil assembly with the coil housing. The circuit board connects each third coil assembly in a circular pattern to the same phase of a three-phase AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Company
    Inventor: Weimin Lu
  • Patent number: 6390249
    Abstract: In a roller with a built-in motor, which is powered by a brushless motor and stopped by an electromagnetic brake, when an electric current is supplied to the brushless motor, an electric current is supplied at a certain voltage to the electromagnetic coil to release the electromagnetic brake. The rpm of the brushless motor is detected; and when it reaches a certain predetermined level, the supply of the electric current to the electromagnetic coil is turned off and on in a short period of time, thus maintaining the released condition of the electromagnetic brake. By turning off and on the supply of the electric current to the electromagnetic coil, the average voltage can be maintained low, and the heat generation can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Itoh Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6376948
    Abstract: A motor-synchronous exciting brake structure having a housing containing a stator and a rotor located at the center of the stator, the two ends of the housing being respectively mounted with an end cap, and the rotor shaft of the rotor being mounted with a brake structure which is used to brake the rotor, characterized in that the brake structure is provided with a floating element slidably located at the rotor shaft and the end face of the floating element, corresponding to the end cap, is provided with a plurality of brake blocks for braking purpose, and a triggering element is slidably mounted within the floating element, an elastic element is urged by the triggering element and the floating element, and further, the end face of the triggering element, corresponding to the rotor, is formed with two corresponding guiding slots, and one side of the guiding slot is provided with a sloping face, wherein the sloping face is inclined toward the end face, the other end of the floating element is a limiting plate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Chang Li-Yang
  • Patent number: 6374960
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a rotatable disc which is movable along its axis of rotation. Brake pads on caliper arms are engageable with opposite sides of the disc. An actuator assembly is operable to move the caliper arms to press the brake pads against opposite sides of the disc. To accommodate movement of the disc along its axis of rotation, the actuator assembly is movable along the axis of rotation of the disc under the influence of force transmitted through the caliper arms to the actuator assembly. The caliper arms have arcuate end surfaces which engage arcuate surfaces on the brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Hukill, James M. Latsko, Kenneth E. Oravec, Steven D. Schneider, George M. Dominiak, Kerry M. Jacques
  • Patent number: 6367596
    Abstract: An apparatus for braking a rotating member having an engaged state and a disengaged state is disclosed. Rotation of the rotating member is inhibited by the apparatus when the apparatus is in the engaged state. The braking apparatus includes a housing, an actuator, and a first brake structure. The first brake structure includes a brake pad having a contact surface. The brake structure is pivotally connected to the housing and further connected to the actuator. The actuator is operable to cause pivotal motion of the brake structure, thereby causing arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member. The frictional force between the rotating member and the contact surface causes further arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member and places the apparatus in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Perry Reeve Limited
    Inventor: C. Stephen Kraihanzel
  • Patent number: 6336530
    Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly for improving the brake system on vehicle without using wearable brake pads. The vehicle brake assembly includes a drum having spaced openings a bore extending through the drum. A securing means is provided for securing the drum in a vehicle. A shaft is rotatably extended through the drum. A disc brake member has a pair of sides and a centrally-disposed opening therethrough and is mounted about the shaft for rotation therewith and is disposed within the drum and has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A braking means is provided for braking the disc brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hottle
  • Publication number: 20010052440
    Abstract: An elevator drive includes a casing with a shaft supported by spaced shaft bearings. Arranged on the shaft between the bearings are a traction sheave and a brake disk. On a free end of the shaft is a motor ventilated by fans. Arranged on the casing is a symmetrically constructed braking device with two single-arm brake levers having brake linings which, when braking occurs, press against the traction sheave and bring it to a standstill. Provided on a free end of each brake lever is a compression spring that is supported at one end on the brake lever and on the other end on a spring pin. The spring force of the compression spring acts on the brake lever thereby causing the brake lining to press against the traction sheave. To release the brake lever, a brake magnet provided with an armature plate is arranged on a brake lever, the brake magnet and the armature plate acting against the force of the compression springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Andre Rimann, Renate Murer
  • Patent number: 6321883
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated brake is provided comprising a magnetic body, which can energized electromagnetically to produce a magnetic force, and a brake rotor which is mounted on a shaft, in particular the drive shaft of an electric motor, in a rotationally stable manner, so that the shaft can be braked. A spring-loaded armature plate is mounted on the shaft and is movable axially parallel to the long axis of the shaft by the magnetic force produced in the magnetic body against the force of its spring loading whereby in a braked state the armature plate is apposed to the braking surface of the brake rotor. Disposed between the armature plate and the magnetic body or between the armature plate and the brake rotor are first and second dampers to attenuate oscillations of the brake. The first and second damper are located adjacent one another in the axial direction of the shaft and each comprises a material different from that of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jochen Pfann, Günter Becker, Horst Fischer
  • Patent number: 6315088
    Abstract: A spring-set, electromagnetically released brake that requires a relatively small amount of current to release is provided. The brake includes a magnet shell disposed about a first axis. The shell includes a radially outwardly extending pole. The brake also includes an armature disposed radially outwardly of the pole and pivotable at a first axial end and a first engagement element, such as a brake shoe, coupled to the armature proximate a second axial end of the armature. The brake further includes a spring disposed about the pole. The spring biases the armature radially outwardly to urge the first engagement element towards a second engagement element such as a friction surface in a brake drum. Finally, the brake includes a coil disposed about the pole and means for selectively energizing the coil to urge the armature radially inwardly and the first engagement element away from the second engagement element. A bobbin for use in the brake is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Gustin, Michael F. Leone, Todd C. Pink, Dennis J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6293372
    Abstract: In an electric motor brake, a friction disc includes an anti-rattle portion integrally molded therewith and reducing the tolerance gap between the motor shaft hub and the friction disc to minimize rattling of the friction disc during rotation of the shaft, and eliminating the need for a separate anti-rattle spring. In a first embodiment, the friction disc has a cavity at the inner circumference thereof facing the hub, and a cantilever finger extending into the cavity and engaging the hub and providing a cantilever bias urging engagement of the hub and friction disc. In a second embodiment, a bump on a slotted inner circumference of the friction disc provides the biasing portion, or may be spaced from the hub by a nominal clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Lorenz, Steven F. Chmiel
  • Patent number: 6269917
    Abstract: For an electromagnetically actuated brake, in particular a stopping brake, having a high stopping moment and short braking paths and consisting of a cam disc (3) which is guided in a torsion-proof manner, a spring (4) which presses the cam disc axially into the locking position, and an electromagnet (5, 6, 7) which unlocks the cam disc against the spring (4), it is proposed that the axially movable cam disc (3) be of ferromagnetic construction and that a number of cams (31) be provided which engage, in a form-locking manner, in the recesses (11) in the rotatable part (1) to be braked, the cams (31) and recesses having flanks standing perpendicularly to the direction of rotation and the spring being constructed as a leaf spring (4) with three bending arms which act upon the face of the cam disc (3) at an equal distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Harting KGaA
    Inventors: Dietmar Harting, Wilhelm Niermann, Wolfgang Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 6256570
    Abstract: An electrical braking system for a motor vehicle has a controller which detects the actuation of a service-brake operator element, determines therefrom at least one driver's braking input for the brake control, and supplies this set point value to control units for controlling the wheel brakes. This controller also detects the actuation of a parking-brake operator element, determines therefrom a parking-brake input of the driver, and links this parking-brake input with the braking input for the service brake to form the total braking input. An electrical braking system for a motor vehicle includes at least one control unit which is allocated to at least one wheel brake. The controller controls an actuator for actuating the wheel brake on the basis of a setpoint value. The actuator has an electric motor and a locking device, in particular, a disengaging device. To actuate the wheel brake via the electric motor, the locking device is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Weiberle, Peter Blessing
  • Patent number: 6237730
    Abstract: A friction safety brake which is released by virtue of an electromagnet is disclosed. Extending from a machine wall is a shaft that is rotatable relative to the machine wall. The shaft is to be braked by the friction safety brake. The brake includes: a first assembly comprising a coil carrier, a coupling element, a flange plate, at least one first brake disk and an intermediate disk; and a second assembly comprising an armature disk, at least a second brake disk and the intermediate disk. The flange plate is coupled in an axial direction with the coil carrier by virtue of coupling elements and is independently movable relative to the armature disk in the axial direction such that two braking circuits are available. The first braking circuit includes the armature disk, the coil carrier and the flange plate (21) coupled to each other in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Chr. Mayr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Dropmann, Karl Schilling
  • Patent number: 6206149
    Abstract: A caliper disk brake includes a brake disk having at least one set of brake pads disposed on opposite sides thereof and connected to a pair of caliper arms. The caliper arm are interconnected with a magnetic actuator consisting of an armature slidingly received by a magnet body. A spring interposed between the armature and magnet body actuates the brake, while an electromagnetic coil releases it. A sealed cavity is provided between the armature and magnet body with a metered and valved vent in communication with the cavity to allow for controlled brake application and instantaneous release. A wear adjustment bolt received a trunion connected to one of the caliper arms and has an end thereof received within a bore of the magnet body maintaining the spring. Coaxially aligned with the wear adjustment bolt a torque adjustment bolt which secures a second trunion receiving the other caliper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Michael O. Culbertson
  • Patent number: 6202804
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically releasable friction safety brake with two brake discs (2, 11) which are arranged on a common central drive shaft to be axially displaceable but non-rotatable with respect to the shaft. Axially disposed between the two brake discs (2, 11) in a spool carrier (5) is a magnetic coil (6) and springs (7) that urge the brake discs (2, 11) into the braking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chr. Mayr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Dropmann, Karl Schilling
  • Patent number: 6182803
    Abstract: A spring-actuated electromagnetic brake includes a noise-suppressing device for suppressing a striking noise emitted when an armature is attracted onto a field to release the brake when an electromagnetic coil is excited to magnetize the field. The noise-suppressing device is comprised of a plurality of hemispherical elastic members each disposed in one of recesses formed in one of two opposed surfaces of the field and the armature. When the brake is in the engaged state, a hemispherical surface of each elastic member partially projects from the recess and is in contact with the other of the two opposed surface. When subjected to a compressive force or pressure applied from the armature, the hemispherical elastic member undergoes elastic deformation as a whole and does not produce any locally concentrated elastic deformation. The hemispherical elastic member is highly durable and is able to greatly suppress the striking noise generated when the brake is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hirai, Masayuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 6161659
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake includes an improved friction disk that has at least one friction surface formed entirely from a rubber material such as a styrene butadiene rubber material. The rubber material 1) has a high coefficient of friction, 2) conforms to the shape of the mating braking surfaces, 3) is dimensionally stable so as not to unnecessarily widen the air gap of the brake when the brake is applied, and 4) exhibits acceptable wear characteristics. The rubber material also preferably does not exhibit a sharp reduction in coefficient of static friction when it is heated, e.g., due to friction from its mating surfaces and/or due to heat transfer from the electric motor or other braked element. The resultant brake is relatively light-weight, compact, and inexpensive. It is particularly well-suited for use as a static, park-and-hold brake for an electric motor or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Inertia Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Maurice
  • Patent number: 6155386
    Abstract: A spring-actuated electromagnetic brake includes an adjustment plate attached a rotating shaft and having an annular recess in one end face thereof facing a boss of a brake plate slidably mounted on the rotating plate. An annular elastic member is disposed in the annular recess in such a manner that when the brake is in the released state, the elastic member partially projects from the recess and is in contact with an end face of the boss. A slide-distance adjustment bolt having an enlarged head and a thread-free shank of a length larger than the thickness of the adjustment plate extends through an opening of the adjustment plate and is threaded on the end face of the boss. The brake plate is slidable in one direction by the force of the brake spring and in the opposite direction by the recovery force of the elastic member. The range of sliding movement of the brake plate is determined by the difference between the length of the shank of the bolt and the thickness of the adjustment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hirai, Kenshi Suzuki, Takaaki Tsuda, Masatoshi Sonoda
  • Patent number: 6142266
    Abstract: An energy storing brake for a vehicle, such as an industrial truck, includes a rotating brake rotor (5) and a non-rotating braking body (3) that can be moved relative to the brake rotor (5). The braking body (3) can be pressed by an energy storing device (4), preferably realized in the form of a spring, against the brake rotor (5), and can be detached from the brake rotor (5) by a brake lifter against the force of the energy storing mechanism (4). A hydraulic cylinder (8) can be pressurized as required, by which a supplemental force in the same direction as the force of the energy storing mechanism (4) can be exerted on the braking body (3). The hydraulic cylinder (8) can be pressurized as a function of the actuation of a brake control mechanism, preferably of a brake pedal, by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Still GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Appeldorn, Martin Hinkelmann
  • Patent number: 6135243
    Abstract: An apparatus for braking a rotating member having an engaged state and a disengaged state is disclosed. Rotation of the rotating member is inhibited by the apparatus when the apparatus is in the engaged state. The braking apparatus includes a housing, an actuator, and a first brake structure. The first brake structure includes a brake pad having a contact surface. The brake structure is pivotally connected to the housing and further connected to the actuator. The actuator is operable to cause pivotal motion of the brake structure, thereby causing arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member. The frictional force between the rotating member and the contact surface and elastic deformation of one of the rotating member and the contact surface causes further arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member and places the apparatus in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Cybo Robots, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Stephen Kraihanzel
  • Patent number: 6129184
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a variable-torque braking device. The device is characterized in that it includes a secondary control (14, 17) which allows exertion on a friction-lining pad (9) of an additional moving-system braking torque as a function of a variable command parameter which exerts on the friction-lining pad (9) a movable-system braking force or torque capable of linear variation, in addition to the constant braking torque or force furnished by a main control, as a function of the variable control parameter. The invention finds an application notably to braking forklifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Ferrand, Eric Tranchand
  • Patent number: 6125975
    Abstract: An electromagnetic disk brake is compact, self-sealing, self-contained, has relatively few components, and is relatively easy to fabricate and to install when compared to traditional electromagnetic disk brakes. Self-containment and self-sealing are achieved by providing a skirt on the field cup that extends over the remaining moving components of the brake and that is attached, preferably by a press-fit, to a reaction plate at the inner end of the brake. The need for stand-offs to set the air gap of the brake can be eliminated by suitable control of the press-fitting of the field cup onto the reaction plate. For electric motor braking applications, the reaction plate can form the endbell of the electric motor, thereby combining the endbell, mounting plate and reaction plate in a single plate. Simplicity and ease of assembly of a spring-applied brake are enhanced further by employing a single compression spring at the center of the brake rather than a plurality of peripherally-spaced springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Inertia Dynamics
    Inventors: Paul K. Seeto, Kevin L. Maurice, Stephen Nyquist
  • Patent number: 6119825
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Nisley
  • Patent number: 6092582
    Abstract: A motor drive for a rolling steel door which includes a motor and a speed reducer driven by the motor to take up/let off the rolling steel door. A brake disk is rotated with the motor shaft of the motor, a sprocket wheel is moved along an axle and forced by a spring into engagement with the brake disk to stop the motor shaft of the motor from rotation. An electromagnet is securely mounted on the axle and magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel for enabling the motor shaft of the motor to rotate freely upon starting of the motor. A lever operated by hand disengages the sprocket wheel from the brake disk. A control box is coupled to the power output shaft of the speed reducer to control the operation of the motor, wherein when the control box is controlled to start the motor, the electromagnet is magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel from the brake disk and enables the motor shaft of the motor to be freely rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Kuei-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 6079524
    Abstract: An automatic stop mechanism for a rolling door includes two brake members mounted to the stop member which is removably engaged with the fixture, the stop member having a flange disengagably contacting the inclined flange to normally stop the rolling door, a handle pivotally connected to the fixture and connected to the first member and the second member so as to shift the stop member along the shaft of the motor, the two brake members each having a brake pad and located within the motor casing, when the rolling door runs downwardly fast and the normal stop mechanism fails, the two brake members are expanded due to the eccentric force to stop the door by the two brake pads contacting the motor casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jin-Shan Hung
  • Patent number: 6057617
    Abstract: A drive device for an electrically operated vehicle, in particular a wheelchair, having at least one rim with rim well and actual shaft wherein a brake is located in a brake space defined in part by a gap between a pair of spaced part bearings on the axle shaft of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Egon Schmid
  • Patent number: 6053287
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a car along a travel path along guide rails includes a linear drive having a fixed first platform attached to the car and connected by springs with a movable second platform. Holding-units are attached to both platforms for engaging the guide rails and operating-units are connected between the platforms for relative movement. The holding-units and the operating-units include piezoelectric actuators that are selectively energized to move the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Invento AG
    Inventors: Karl Weinberger, Gert Silberhorn, Jean Marie Rennetaud
  • Patent number: 5988327
    Abstract: A disk brake for industrial use, especially overhead cranes and the like includes; electromagnetic coils that upon activation are arranged for disengaging a spring-urged armature plate from contact with a multiple friction thrust disk assembly. The friction disks being in direct drive contact with the drive shaft of the overhead crane. The thrust disk between the friction disk are engaged after deactivation of the electromagnetic coils that are electrically connected in series from a parallel DC circuit driven by a tuned AC transformer and rectifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Snyder
  • Patent number: 5957248
    Abstract: A caliper disk brake for steel mill cranes includes a pair of armatures having an electromagnetic coil and a spring interposed between them to operate in a clamshell fashion. The spring urges the armatures apart, while actuation of the coil urges the armatures together. Each of a pair of caliper arms is pivotally connected to a respective one of the armatures at one end thereof, and has a pressure plate pivotally maintained at an opposite end. The pressure plates are maintained in juxtaposition to wear pads which are axially movable in apertures maintained in a pair of stationary plates. A disk, adapted for interconnection with the shaft of a steel mill crane hoist motor is positioned between the plates and wear pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Heidenreich
  • Patent number: 5949168
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor having a locking device and a brake actuator for an electric system which includes such an electric motor. The locking brake has a simple configuration and includes a conical ring which is mounted so as to be axially displaceable on the motor shaft of the electric motor of the brake actuator. In a first axial position, the conical ring (26) permits a rotation of the motor shaft (12) in both directions and, in a second axial position, the conical ring is in engagement with the motor shaft (12) and rotates with the latter. In the second axial position of the conical ring (26), a rotation of the motor shaft (12) in one rotational direction leads to the situation that the conical ring (26) is in engagement with the lock ring (24) of the brake actuator (2). The lock ring (24) is fixed so that it cannot rotate relative to the motor shaft (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Wulf Leitermann, Immanuel Henken
  • Patent number: 5920136
    Abstract: A drive device for an electrically operated vehicle, in particular a wheelchair, having at least one rim with rim well and an axle shaft wherein a brake is integrated into an annular channel formed between the rim and the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Egon Schmid
  • Patent number: 5915507
    Abstract: A power-off electromechanical brake employs a friction disk compressed between a ferromagnetic clapper plate and a pressure plate. An electromagnet may pull the clapper plate away from the friction disk or the pressure plate and clapper plate may be separated by free floating spacer elements held within a rotating race positioned between the clapper plate and the pressure plate. In a first mode, cavities in the clapper plate receive spacer elements held within the race and the friction disk is compressed. In a manual release mode, the spacer elements no longer engage with the cavities and separate the pressure plate and clapper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Maurice, Paul K. Seeto, Jon L. Masthay
  • Patent number: 5899304
    Abstract: The present invention is a fail safe motor brake for use with relatively large industrial motors, and particularly electric hoist motors as used with large overhead industrial cranes. The present brake includes an actuation linkage which results in relatively little change in the initial height or "air gap" of the solenoid plunger or armature, as the brake linings wear. The limited change in the air gap is due to a mechanical stop which is built into the adjustment and actuation linkage, as well as the clamping pressure provided by the spring arrangement which serves to actuate the brakes. The solenoid of the present brake is offset from the plane of the brake shoes, thus allowing removal and replacement of one or both shoes without need to remove the solenoid. This allows the brake shoes to be removed without need to readjust the actuation linkage. The present motor brake provides excellent performance throughout the life of the brake linings, without need to adjust the actuation linkage during this period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Jack L. Daugherty