Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping a workpiece, comprising a clamping element for clamping the workpiece; a rod having multiple radial slits disposed one behind the other in longitudinal direction of the rod, which each only extend along a partial circumferential area of the rod; a receiving device for receiving the clamping element and the rod; a longitudinal guide, within which the rod is disposed rotatably between a latching position and a release position; a locking mechanism disposed on the longitudinal guide, which does not engage with any of the radial slits in the release position such that the rod is movable in axial direction within the longitudinal guide, and engages with at least one of the radial slits in the latching position such that the rod is fixed in axial direction within the longitudinal guide. Furthermore, the invention relates to a processing table with a clamping device.

Abstract: A technique for mounting an engine to a frame so that it is coupled to a load, such as a generator, but the mounting apparatus allows the engine to be disconnected quickly and removed from the frame so that a replacement engine can be installed in the frame. A removable rear engine mount houses an engine pulley and a belt that connects the engine pulley to a generator pulley. During removal of the engine, the front and rear engine mounts are disconnected, and the engine assembly including the rear engine mount and the engine pulley and belt are lifted somewhat and then laterally removed from the generator which remains connected to the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the efficiency of an axial-piston motor comprising at least one working cylinder fed by a continuously operating combustion chamber comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a main combustion chamber. To this end, the axial-piston motor is provided with a pre-combustion chamber comprising a check valve.

Abstract: A device which moves a die between a retracted position, thereby releasing the die from the device, and an advanced position, thereby fixing the die to the device. The device includes an inner body comprising an inner body wall, and an inner body set of inclined faces. A body comprises a longitudinal groove. The longitudinal groove comprises an inner wall which contacts the inner body wall. An intermediate body comprises a first longitudinal side comprising a longitudinal side set of inclined faces, and a second longitudinal side arranged opposite thereto. The first longitudinal side cooperates with the inner wall. The second longitudinal side cooperates with a first side of the die. The longitudinal side set of inclined faces cooperates with the inner body set of inclined faces. A relative movement between the intermediate body and the inner body moves the die between the retracted position and the advanced position.

Abstract: A rotary slip bowl includes a tubular body having a central bore with an internal surface. The internal surface includes a tapered profile extending from a top surface to a generally straight profile. The rotary slip bowl also includes one or more umbilical grooves in the internal surface, wherein each umbilical groove is dimensioned to partially house an umbilical line. A rotary slip system includes the rotary slip bowl and a rotary slip set configured to be partially housed within the central bore. The rotary slip set includes two or more slip segments separated by spaces. One of the spaces is aligned with each umbilical groove of the rotary slip bowl. A handle is affixed to an upper end of a slip segment with the handle positioned adjacent to one of the spaces. The rotary slip system may further include a carrier for transporting the rotary slip bowl.

Abstract: An asymmetric bearing device automatically decreases, without the need for manual adjustment, an amount of friction exerted against rotation of a drum or other mechanism upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An assembly and method to repeatedly set and isolate multiple sections along a zone of interest in a single downhole trip is disclosed. The assembly includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe adapted to telescope along the outer pipe. After a first section of a zone of interest is isolated, the inner pipe may be telescoped up along the outer pipe, and then set to isolate a second section above the first section. This process may be repeated as desired to stimulate and/or test each desired section along a zone of interest. Once the inner pipe is completely telescoped inside the outer pipe, the inner pipe may be disconnected from the outer pipe via use of a disconnect assembly.

Abstract: A lifting elevator includes a first elevator segment having a first plurality of slips, a second elevator segment having a second plurality of slips, and a hinge. The first elevator segment and the second elevator segment each have a swept angle of about 180°, and each of the first plurality of slips and the second plurality of slips includes a die configured to grip an external surface of a pipe.

Abstract: An air cylinder apparatus equipped with a fall prevention mechanism, wherein the air cylinder apparatus includes a cylinder body and a piston rod which advances and retreats by supplying and discharging pressurized air to and from the cylinder body, and wherein the fall prevention mechanism includes a fixed member which is immovable with respect to the cylinder body; a plurality of brake members which are supported by the fixed member to be capable of coming into and out of contact with the fixed member; a biasing member which presses the plurality of brake members against the piston rod to lock the piston rod to the fixed member; and a lock-release air mechanism which holds, against a biasing force of the biasing member, the brake members in a non-contact position with the piston rod, the lock-release air mechanism operating by a pressurized air source that is common with that of the air cylinder apparatus.

Abstract: A conditional braking knee includes an upper member configured to couple to a prosthetic socket. A braking member couples to the upper member. A lower member couples to the braking member and is configured to rotate with respect to the upper member. A flexion coupler couples to the braking member and is configured to couple to a prosthetic foot. The braking member is configured to prevent a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member in response to a flexion of the prosthetic foot communicated to the braking member through the flexion coupler. In implementations the braking member is a clamping member rotatably coupled to the upper member with a first axle, the lower member is rotatably coupled to the clamping member with a second axle, and the clamping member prevents a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member by clamping on the first axle.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for gripping coiled tubing with lower and upper ball carriers. A first gripper portion and a second gripper portion each have a channel for a bore through the gripper portions. Gripper portions can rotate in relation to each other. Rotation causes the gripper portion to close around an object that passes through the bore. With a translational force, the gripper portions rotate relative to each other to grasp an object.

Abstract: A ball-lock type fastening device for connecting a work piece to a structure is disclosed. The fastening device includes a number of features designed to improve the reliability, repeatability and strength of the locking mechanism compared to traditional ball-lock fasteners. The features include the shape of the locking balls, the shape of the retention housing which engages the locking balls, and mechanisms for controlling deployment and retraction of the locking balls.

Abstract: Described herein is an air handling unit for use in an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, wherein the air handling unit includes one or more uninterruptable cooling fans each with a weighted rotor for providing uninterrupted cooling during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line, and a method of using the same. The uninterruptable cooling fan rotors are configured to store sufficient energy as rotational kinetic energy. Furthermore, the uninterruptable cooling fans may also be configured for generation of electricity to power a control system associated therewith during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein describe a tubular retention system arranged over a mousehole. The tubular retention system includes load bearing plates that are mutually opposed, vertically aligned, and connected to an eternal support structure via upper and lower links that, together, form a parallelogram shape movable to engage tubulars of varying diameters. The load bearing plates are pulled down by a biasing system to engage the tubular and synchronized by a lifting ring connecting the load bearing plates together. Mutually opposing deflector plates are connected to the load bearing plates and move in response to the downward movement of the load bearing plates, providing a centering force against the tubular to assure proper retention once the load bearing links engage the tubular. An upward force enables the load bearing plates to return upward and outward to release the tubular.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may include employing a lockscrew to provide radial and axial force in connecting tubular members in a mineral extraction system. The lockscrew may be angled relative to the tubular members, at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Further, the lockscrew may have an end portion which mates with a slot in a locking segment, and the lockscrew and locking segment may be moved from an unlocked to a locked position. In a locked position, the lockscrew exerts force axially downward and radially inward to push the locking segment against a tubular member, locking the member in place. The interconnection between the lockscrew and the locking segment may enable easier installation and may utilize parts which may be easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the angle of the lockscrew may provide improved support for tubular members.

Abstract: A fence post removal device is provided which provides a simple mechanical device to allow a person to remove a fence post from an installed position within the ground. The device allows the person to sit atop a machine like a tractor or front loader, position the device over an exposed end of the fence post, and lower the device such that an internal guide causes the device to self-align with the top of a fence post which passes through the device a specific distance before coming into contact with a bumper which prevents the device from dropping too close to the ground.

Abstract: An autoinjector including a housing, in which can be mounted a syringe having a plunger, a barrel and needle at one end thereof through which medicament can be delivered to an injection site; a syringe support means capable of causing said syringe to move therewith along an axial path with respect to said housing; biasing means capable of biasing said syringe support means so that said needle is normally inside said housing, blocking means selectively moveable by a user from a first position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path is substantially prevented, to a second position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path relative to said housing is possible and said biasing means causes said needle to retract inside said housing.

Abstract: Adjusting group (1) for adjusting the position of a user-interface (2) of a gymnastic machine (100) relative to a respective frame (102) thereof; a sliding coupling unit (120) being associated with the user-interface (2) to define a first path (L) for adjusting the position of the user-interface (2) with respect to the frame (102); a blocking device (130) being provided in combination with the coupling unit (120) to fix the user-interface (2) in any position along the first path (L); the coupling unit (120) comprising a guide (122) associated with the frame (102) and a slide (124) associated with the user-interface (2) and coupled to the guide (122) in a sliding fashion along respective first coupling surface (1220) and second coupling surface (1240).

Abstract: An apparatus for removably securing an electrical element within a tubular steerer tube within a frame element consists of a canister for housing the electrical element, an expandable sleeve, and an expansion bolt coupling the canister and expandable sleeve to actuate compression of the expandable sleeve thereby securing the assembly within the tubular steerer tube. A preload cap is secured to the assembly to retain a bearing system to permit the steerer tube to rotate relative to the frame. One or more of a light, switch, and connector may be disposed in the preload cap to provide system conditions, controls, charging, communication, and so on. In certain embodiments, requirements for a central extension bolt extending from preload cap to expansion bolt are obviated, providing a relatively uninterrupted volume within the steerer tube in which to house electronics, route wiring, and so on.

Abstract: A compensation and fill up assembly comprises a slip assembly for engaging a tubular and a compensation assembly for supporting a weight of the tubular when engaged by the slip assembly. The compensation and fill up assembly further comprises a fluid swivel and a fill up tool coupled to the fluid swivel by a fluid shaft. The fill up tool is insertable into and rotatable with the tubular using the fluid swivel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are usable for automatically engaging and setting slips of an automatic slip setting apparatus about a tubular, when the automatic slip setting apparatus is properly positioned relative to a desired section of the tubular for gripping, lifting and/or holding, and installing and/or removing the tubular, in or out from a wellbore, while preventing slippage and/or dropping of the tubular. The automatic slip setting apparatus is usable with an elevator or spider assembly, each comprising a main body having a central opening extending therethrough, a plurality of slips, and a yoke. An arm assembly, connected to the elevator or spider assembly, moves when contacted by a tubular moving through the central opening, and a latching member, which is connected to the yoke, can be moved by the arm assembly, thereby causing the plurality of slips to move to a closed position for gripping the tubular.

Abstract: An electric linear drive, in particular for adjusting moveably mounted parts of furniture used for sitting or lying down, includes a drive motor, a threaded spindle, a speed reduction gear arranged between the drive motor and the threaded spindle, a spindle nut placed on the threaded spindle, which can be selectively locked in the direction of rotation and, depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded spindle, moved in the axial direction of the threaded spindle. The linear drive has a lifting element for adjusting the moveable furniture parts, the lifting element being driven by axial movement of the spindle nut. Simple design, easy assembly and operation, and robust mounting of the driving parts are achieved.

Abstract: A sliding door for a motor vehicle includes a sliding door arrester to prevent the sliding door from inadvertently closing during a deceleration event. The sliding door arrestor includes a base fixed relative to a guide rail and a locking element pivotally attached to the base. The locking element includes a mass and a lock. The locking element rotates relative to the base during a deceleration event of the vehicle to engage the lock with a biasing member to prevent movement of a sliding element that is displaceable along the guide rail.

Abstract: A frictional hinge assembly for use with electronics devices such as computer notebooks having base and lid portions may present a higher level of frictional resistance to rotation in one direction than in the other. The hinge may comprise a base-mounted helical sleeve having loops that embrace a rotational shaft that is connected to a lid. As the lid is opened, the rotation of the shaft may cause the loops of the helical sleeve to tighten and thereby generate frictional forces, which requires a greater opening force to overcome than when the lid is being closed, in which case the loops loosen. The helical hinge may have applicability for notebook computers, electronic devices having clamshell form factors, all-in-one designs and tablets using kickstands and the like.

Abstract: An automated pipe tripping apparatus includes an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame includes a tripping slips and iron roughneck. The automated pipe tripping apparatus may, in concert with an elevator and drawworks, trip in a tubular string in a continuous motion. The tripping slips and iron roughneck, along with the inner frame, may travel vertically within the outer frame. The weight of the tubular string is transferred between the tripping slips and the elevator. The iron roughneck may make up or break out threaded connections between tubular segments, the upper tubular segment supported by the elevator and the lower by the tripping slips. An automated pipe handling apparatus may remove or supply sections of pipe from or to the elevator. A control system may control both the automated pipe tripping apparatus and the elevator and drawworks.

Abstract: An elevator assembly such as, for example, a single joint elevator apparatus having a removable load supporting insert member for gripping the outer surface of a pipe section. The load supporting insert member has at least two different shoulder profiles; the load supporting insert member can be quickly and easily removed, inverted and re-installed to accommodate and facilitate gripping of pipe sections having different outer configurations (including, without limitation, outer configurations associated with threaded connection members).

Abstract: An apparatus to limit movement of gripping members relative to an elevator includes a locking arm coupled to the gripping members and a first engagement arm. The locking arm includes a set of teeth disposed longitudinally thereon, and the first engagement arm includes a first set of complimentary teeth configured to engage with the set of teeth of the locking arm. The first engagement arm is moveable between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement arm and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement arm allows the locking arm to move in a first direction but prevents the locking bar from moving in a second direction by more than a selected distance. The teeth of the locking arm engage the first set of complimentary teeth of the first engagement arm when the first engagement arm is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A double curved face gripping die for engaging tubular pipe of varying diameters is comprised of opposing mirror imaged curved die surfaces forming a modified V-shape. Each curve die surface has a double curved contact surface of a desired varying radius, the distal ends of the contact surfaces extending outward limn the pipe to avoid pipe contact. The die incorporates the contact strength and flexibility of a V-shaped gripping d with minimal scratching or gouging of the pipe.

Abstract: A slip device includes a housing forming an axial bore, an upper set of slips spaced axially above a lower set of slips, and a rack and pinion actuator radially moving the upper set of slips and the lower set of slips between a retracted position and an extended position to grip a tubular disposed in the bore. The upper set of slips and the lower set of slips can be oriented to resist downward movement of the gripped tubular and to permit upward movement of the gripped tubular. One of the upper set of slips and the lower set of slips can be oriented to resist upward movement of the gripped tubular and the other of the upper set of slips and the lower set of slips can be oriented to resist downward movement of the gripped tubular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear brake (LBR) for attachment on a slide that can be moved along a guide rail (F), having a brake housing (1), which at least partially surrounds the guide rail (F), a force store arranged on or in the brake housing (1) and a brake piston (3), which is loaded by the force store, surrounds the guide rail (F) in a fork-like manner and is moved by the force store against the guide rail transversely to the movement direction between the slide and the guide rail (F). The brake piston presses the two clamp jaws (7), which are connected with a U-shaped transfer plate (6), against the guide rail (F) by means of piston bevels (3.2) and wedge bevels (5.1), which are arranged on both sides of the guide rail (F) and are opposite each other. The brake piston (3) is configured as a cylindrical annular piston, which is loaded on one end face by the force store (2) arranged centrally in the annular piston and has on the other end face the piston ends (3.6) with the bevel faces (3.2).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for limiting movement of gripping members of an elevator are provided. The apparatus includes a locking arm coupled to one or more of the gripping members and configured to move in a first direction when the gripping members move toward engagement with a tubular and to move in a second direction when the gripping members move away from engagement with the tubular. The apparatus also includes a first engagement member configured to move between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement member and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement member allows the locking arm to move in the first direction but restrains the locking bar from moving in the second direction by more than a selected distance.

Abstract: A roller lock device has a shaft and a housing configured over the shaft for selective relative movement thereto. A plurality of rollers is configured between the housing and the shaft, at least some of which are substantially conically shaped. A cage is configured between the housing and the shaft and adjacent the rollers such that the rollers are at least partially constrained from movement by the cage. A control is configured to move the rollers axially thereby engaging and disengaging the roller lock. The housing has ramps configured to receive the rollers, the ramps having a curved contour.

Abstract: For holding a pipe, rod or the like, such as a section of a pipe string of an offshore oil drilling rig, an apparatus includes a clamping device insertable into a support body. The clamping device includes a device body with a central opening bounded by an inner circumferential surface that conically tapers at a cone angle. The device further includes clamp elements that are received in the central opening of the device body and that each have a radially outer surface sloping along the cone angle to slide along the inner circumferential surface of the device body, and a radially inner clamping surface to clamp against the coaxially arranged pipe. A holding element respectively connects each clamp element to a linear actuator stroke element that is similarly tilted at the cone angle. The linear actuator may be received in a receiver shaft of the device body.

Abstract: An electric generator includes a wheel coupled to an axle of a vehicle which includes battery. A rotator is fixedly mounted to the wheel and includes a series of magnets positioned so that the north pole of one magnet abuts the south pole of an adjacent magnet. A stator is rotatably mounted to the axle, and includes a mass positioned off-center from the axle for biasing the stator toward a position that is generally stationary relative to the vehicle. The stator further includes a plurality of electric coils for generating electric current when the rotator is moved relative to the stator and the magnetic field of each magnet passes through the plurality of electric coils, the coils being electrically coupled to each other and to the battery of the vehicle to transmit electric current generated from the plurality of coils to the battery.

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

Abstract: Provided is a braking mechanism that can control, when a braking part and a braked part can be relatively moved from a braked state, release of a braking force based on a direction in which the braking part and the braked part are supposed to move. A brake device 122 includes, at tips of brake arms 141a, 141b, 142a, and 142b that are paired in an up-down direction and are provided in such a way as to freely rotate across a first brake rail 31, brake pads 145a, 145b, 146a, and 146b, which engage with a side surface of the first brake rail or cancel the engagement. As a handle lever 67 is operated to move transmission rods 123a and 123b in a direction in which a support frame section 23 is supposed to move, connection plates 132a and 132b rotate, and a brake arm on a movement-direction side thereof is rotated. As a result, the brake pads are separated from the side surface of the first brake rail, and the braking is canceled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A disc brake, particularly for a commercial vehicle, includes a brake caliper configured as a sliding caliper, two brake pads, which are disposed in the brake caliper, at least one guide spar for fastening the brake caliper to a stationary carrier, a brake application device, effective via at least one adjusting spindle, an adjusting device, which is non-rotatably connected to the adjusting spindle, for compensating brake pad wear, and a restoring device, disposed on the action side and having a restoring element that is elastically deformable if the brake caliper is displaced as a function of the braking operation and by which the caliper can be automatically brought into a starting position. The disc brake is configured such that the restoring device has a supporting part, which remains in position relative to the brake anchor plate if the brake caliper is displaced as a function of the braking operation, and which interacts with the resilient restoring element.

Abstract: The present invention enables a user to intuitively grasp the occurrence of prescribed phenomena during operation. Provided is a damper that restricts pivot pin (4) rotation associated with operation of an operating section, wherein the friction resistance that impedes the rotation of the pivot pin (4) is changed in a stepped fashion. When the pivot pin (4) rotates in direction ? due to the depression of an accelerator pedal (operating section) (21), a slide cam (62) shifts an edge section (621A) of an inclined cam surface (621) in a direction A away from a rotating cam (61) while staying in contact with a gradual first inclined region (611A) of an inclined cam surface (611) of the rotating cam (61).

Abstract: Apparatus to provide motor backdrive resistance are described. An example apparatus described herein includes a brake to engage an output shaft of a motor. The example apparatus also includes a brake release arm operably coupled to the brake. A reaction arm is fixed relative to the brake release arm and operatively coupled to the motor. The reaction arm causes the brake to disengage the output shaft of the motor in response to a reaction torque of the motor.

Abstract: A brake actuator (10) having a housing (12) in which is provided a movable brake actuating assembly (18, 30), the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) being movable between a brake apply position which, in use results in the application of a brake to which the actuator (10) connected, and a brake release position which, in use, results in the release of the brake, the brake actuator (10) further including a lock (34) which is operable to prevent movement of the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) from the brake apply position to the brake release position, the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) including a first movable member (18), a second movable member (30) and a resilient biasing element (32) which extends between the second movable member (30) and the first movable member (18) and which, if one of the first or second movable members (18, 30) is moved relative to the other from an equilibrium separation, exerts a force tending to return the first (18) and second (30) movable members to the equilibrium separati

Abstract: A device for preventing and/or stopping rotation of a shaft coupled to a motor, of the type having a first fixed element with respect to this shaft, and a moving element, and means to constrain the moving element to the shaft in such a manner as to rotate integrally with this shaft and at the same time be able to move between a position of friction contact with the fixed element, to allow stopping of the shaft, and a position of disengagement from this fixed element, to allow release of the shaft is disclosed. The device advantageously provides that the means to constrain the moving element to the shaft include a link for movement of the moving element along a direction having a radial component with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A brake for a rod includes a spool-shaped lock having conical opposed open ends communicating with a cylindrical opening. Positioned within the cylindrical opening is an inwardly projecting shoe for engaging the outer cylindrical surface of a rod to be controlled. A pair of conical members are positioned in association with the mating conical ends of the spool and are housed in a cage for holding the components in an assembled position when a rod to be controlled is inserted through the conical members and the spool-shaped locking member. The conical members are biased to a locking position and a control rod is coupled to the spool and actuated by a safety release mechanism to allow the rod to move. In a preferred embodiment, a gas spring with the present locking mechanism is coupled between two telescopic tubes defining one or more adjustable legs for a table or chair.

Abstract: A stair assistance device for use with a handrail, the device comprising a sleeve engageable with and slideable relative to the handrail, and a brake element to hinder or prevent sliding movement of the sleeve, wherein, when the sleeve is engaged with a handrail, the brake element is resiliently biased towards the handrail, to hinder or prevent movement of the sleeve when the device is not in use.

Abstract: An oilfield elevator is disclosed and has first and second body halves pivotally-coupled at a hinge and moveable between an open position and a closed position to receive and move a tubular segment. Slips are slidably received within corresponding tapered slots in the elevator and are configured to translate vertically within the tapered slots and, at the same time, radially so as to be able to capture a wider range of tubular having varied outside diameters. Tension handles are pivotally-coupled to the first and second body halves and moveable between locked and unlocked positions. Locking the tension handles engages the slips via biasing members, and forces the slips into radial contact with the tubular segment. Unlocking the tension handles releases the biasing members.

Abstract: A roller lock device has a shaft and a housing configured over the shaft for selective relative movement thereto. A plurality of rollers is configured between the housing and the shaft, at least some of which are substantially conically shaped. A cage is configured between the housing and the shaft and adjacent the rollers such that the rollers are at least partially constrained from movement by the cage. A control is configured to move the rollers axially thereby engaging and disengaging the roller lock. The housing has ramps configured to receive the rollers, the ramps having a curved contour.

Abstract: A controlled-friction device comprising a first element having a second element mounted thereon to slide in a sliding direction, and friction retaining means arranged to exert between the two elements an opposing force against relative movement of the two elements. The friction retaining mechanism comprises a friction member mounted securely to the first element to rub against the second element via a friction surface extending parallel to the sliding direction, a presser member for exerting a thrust force on the friction member, urging the friction member against the second element in a direction normal to the relative movement of the elements, and a linkage linking the friction member to the first element causing the friction member to separate from the second element during movement in either direction of the second element relative to the first element.

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

Abstract: A centrifugal brake system for retarding shaft backspin includes a brake drum, a brake hub attachable to the shaft and two or more brake shoes mounted on the hub for braking engagement with the drum. A mechanical linkage transfers the generated braking force from the brake shoes to the hub and permits radial displacement of the brake shoes relative to the hub, upon rotational shifting of the hub relative to the brake shoes between deactivated and activated positions. In the deactivated position of the hub, the brake shoes are maintained in a radially inward, disengaged position. In the activated position, the brake shoes are radially displaceable by centrifugal force from the disengaged position to a radially outward, engaged position, wherein the brake shoes are in braking engagement. The rotational shifting of the hub is achieved through frictional drag between the brake shoes and the brake drum.