Abstract: A first adjustable stop on a jack member selectively adjusts an incline stop gap while a second adjustable stop on a support element selectively adjusts a decline stop gap. Stop surfaces on the first adjustable stop and the support element may define the incline stop gap, while stop surfaces on the second adjustable stop and the first adjustable stop may define the decline stop gap. A number of turns of a stop needed to effect a desired of adjustment may be determined using a pitch, lead, and/or number of starts of threads used to mount the stops.

Abstract: A motor brake includes an actuator fixed to a motor shaft and including spaced peripheral ears including a member therethrough. A fixed plate includes spaced detents and an output about the actuator has spaced ball releasably urged into the fixed plate detents by the actuator ear members. The output has channels for the actuator ears for driving the output with the actuator when the actuator ear members release the output spaced balls from the fixed plate detents.

Abstract: A roller guide device including a first guide member that is provided with an arcuate guide surface, a second guide member that is provided with an arcuate guide surface which is in opposition to the arcuate guide surface of the first guide member and which has a radius of curvature larger than that of the arcuate guide surface of the first guide member, and rollers that are interposed in a freely rollable manner between the arcuate guide surface of the first guide member, and the arcuate guide surface of the second guide member.

Abstract: A brake is provided. The brake may include a rotor having a plurality of magnets and a plurality of ferromagnetic poles radially disposed thereabout, and a stator having a plurality of shunts and a plurality of teeth radially disposed thereabout. At least one of the plurality of shunts and the plurality of teeth may be configured to selectively move between an engagement state and a free engagement state. The teeth may be configured to generate magnetic flux with the ferromagnetic poles so as to generate a braking torque during the engagement state. The shunts may be configured to redirect the magnetic flux therethrough and reduce the braking torque between the teeth and the ferromagnetic poles during the free engagement state.

Abstract: A reverse rotation protection for borehole pumps is disposed in a drive head. The reverse rotation protection includes a housing and a clamping tool for securing a polished rod. The clamping tool includes at least two exchangeable contact elements with which the polished rod can be fixed releasably.

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 said 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 said 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 mechanical brake for arresting movement of the armature of a linear electric motor in the absence of electrical power comprising a pivotably mounted plate (17) having an aperture (19) for receiving a member (10) attached to the armature of the motor, and an electrically operated holding device (23) contacting a free end (21) of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the member while electrical power is present and to permit the plate to pivot around its second end (20) to a jamming position in the absence of electrical power.

Abstract: A constant strain spring compensation device, mainly comprising the grooved pulley, compensation cable, left end plate, spindle, oil seal, bearing, right end plate, contact flat spiral spring, housing, fastening angle steel, mounting base, pin, and wire-breaking arresting device. Said grooved pulley is fixed on the spindle, said compensation cable is wound and one of its ends is fixed on the grooved pulley, and the other end is connected to exterior overhead contact lines. Said spindle is supported on left end plate and right end plate by using the oil seal and bearing. Said left end plate, right end plate, housing, fastening angle steel, and mounting base form a closed box base. Said pin is connected to the side of the mounting base remote from said box base. Said contact flat spiral spring is arranged within said box base with the inner end hook being connected to the spindle and the outer end hook being connected to the fastening angle steel of the box base.

Abstract: A brake for a gas spring rod includes a lock base having an axially extending central aperture and a pair of associated conical surfaces surrounding the aperture. It also includes a pair of clamping members positioned on opposite sides of the lock base, each of the members including a center aperture and a conical surface having an axis offset from the axis of said center aperture. The clamping members are coupled to the lock base by a coupling including a bias spring for moving the clamping members into engagement with the lock base with the respective conical surfaces in contact such that the center apertures are offset from said central aperture of said lock base.

Abstract: A safety release for a clamping brake mechanism in which the clamping force increases with increasing loads and the force required to release the clamping brake also increases. The safety release comprises a fixed housing, a cable release coupled to the housing, a pivot link coupling an end of said cable release and constrained to pivot through a predetermined arc. A release rod is coupled to an end of the pivot link remote from the release lever, and a compression spring extends between the end of said pivot link and the release rod, such that the spring will compress in the event the force to move the release rod exceeds the spring constant. This compresses the spring and prevents the release rod from moving to release the clamping brake. The compression spring, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of stacked Belleville washers.

Abstract: A friction damper includes: a base body; a support secured to an elongated member of the base body and having a through hole; a rod which extends in such a manner as to pass through the through hole of the support and is movable in an axial direction with respect to the support; a friction member which has a hollow cylindrical portion interposed between the support and a main body portion of the rod in the through hole of the support, and which is fixed immovably with respect to the relative movement of the rod in the axial direction with respect to the base body; and a tightening device provided for the support so as to tighten the hollow cylindrical portion of the friction member onto the main body portion of the rod.

Abstract: A damper unit which brakes the speed of movement of a moving body by using a piston damper provided with a cylinder and a piston rod which is connected to a piston inside the cylinder, is provided. The damper unit includes a case wherein the above-mentioned piston damper is disposed; a transmitting member slidably provided inside the case and transmitting an external force accompanied by the movement of the above-mentioned moving body; a link member whose one end side is attached to the above-mentioned case so as to become the rotational center, and also whose the other end side is pivotally supported by the above-mentioned transmitting member; and a connecting member connected between both ends of the link member and being in contact with or connected to either the piston rod or the cylinder.

Abstract: Described herein is a safety restraint mechanism for a mast assembly. The safety restraint mechanism comprises a tension line attached to a lever and a winch mechanism such that operation of the winch mechanism translates a carriage assembly along the mast. A cam brake including an engagement profile at a first end thereon is pivotally attached to the lever at a second end. The cam brake is also pivotally attached to the carriage assembly such that the engagement profile pivots into a brake position or a free lift position relative to a tension force acting on the lever. The lever is pivotally attached to the second end and includes a kickstand. The engagement profile having a protruded portion to abut the tubes in a brake position and a relief portion to space the cam brake from the tubes in a free lift position.

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

Abstract: A plurality of rotating side brake disks and a plurality of non-rotating side brake disks are arranged outside in the radial direction from a motor shaft in a brake case while alternately overlapping with each other. A frictional material is provided on the non-rotating side brake disk, and an oil groove is provided in a frictional engaging surface of this frictional material. It is configured such that, when a braking force is applied by a brake piston to the motor shaft, lubricant oil flowing into the brake case from a lubricant oil inlet port flows from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side between the rotating side brake disk and the non-rotating side brake disk only through the oil groove. As a result, the lubricant oil having flowed into the brake case efficiently cools the frictional engaging surface.

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

Abstract: An elevator car braking apparatus includes a gear drive assembly for compressing one or more springs which are coupled by a cam follower to one or a pair of brake shoes. When the springs are released from a compressed state, the brake shoes engage and grip hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails, within a predetermined time from the start of a brake application cycle. During a brake application cycle, the springs move the cam follower along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move at least one of the brake shoes toward the other brake shoe. The gear assembly includes clutch means for disengaging from and engaging with a gear or axle of the gear assembly during decompression and compression of the springs, respectively. A resilient material in the braking apparatus initially accelerates movement of the cam follower when the springs begin to decompress, and may protect gears of the gear assembly from damage at the end of a brake release cycle.

Abstract: A brake for a rotating member is disclosed. The brake is used with a liquid coolant, and includes a housing for containing the liquid, a stationary element disposed in the housing, a wear plate disposed on the stationary element, a friction element coupled to the rotating member for contacting the wear plate, and a removable heat transfer insert disposed adjacent the wear plate and in fluid communication with the coolant, the heat transfer insert consisting of a non-galvanic material.

Abstract: A spherical braking system mounted on a drive shaft of a vehicle comprising a brake sphere pad positioned just above and below a brake sphere and resting on an at least one segment of a brake housing wherein, the brake housing includes a top segment and bottom segment coupled to mounting dogs by using screws. A hydraulic cap installed on a threaded portion of a hydraulic shaft which is encircled by bushing and coupled near a brake sphere. A plurality of hydraulic lines connected from at least one hydraulic splitter are coupled to the hydraulic cap. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, pistons are forced into fluid chambers in the master cylinder. The resulting hydraulic pressure is transmitted through the hydraulic splitter and hydraulic lines to hydraulic caps which results the vertical movement of the brake pads causes a braking torque to be generated, slowing the rotation of the drive shaft and driven shaft simultaneously, which therefore decreases the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp sleeve for an indexing device is provided, the clamp sleeve being capable of providing a desirable clamping force without greatly increasing a fluid pressure, and having a long life. A clamp sleeve 34a has a through hole 34a7 and an annular groove 34a1 continuously provided around an outer periphery of the clamp sleeve 34a and defining a part of a pressure chamber 34d. The annular groove 34a1 includes a pair of inner end surfaces 34e6, 34e6?, a groove bottom surface 34e0 extending in parallel to the through hole 34a7, and arcuate first transition surfaces 34e1, 34e1? provided between the inner end surfaces 34e6, 34e6? and the groove bottom surface 34e0. The annular groove 34a1 is provided such that a thickness t1 in a region provided with the groove bottom surface 34e0 is a thickness to allow the region to be deformable.

Abstract: In an elevator installation an elevator cage is movable along at least two guide rails and the elevator cage is equipped with a braking system. An elevator braking device includes a brake element, a force store, which is constructed to press the brake element against the brake surface, and an actuator, which can act on the brake element and which is constructed in order to press, in a first operational setting, the brake element against the force of the force store away from the brake surface or to hold it at a spacing therefrom and in order to free, in a second operational setting, pressing of the brake element against the brake surface.

Abstract: An elevator cage is movable along at least two guide rails and the elevator cage is equipped with a braking system. The elevator braking device has a brake housing and a force store. The brake housing is mounted to be displaceable between a first position and a second position. The force store acts on the brake housing and pushes the brake housing in the direction of a second position. In addition, the elevator braking device includes an actuator which can act on the brake housing and keep the brake housing in a first position. The actuator in its first setting can hold the brake housing in the first position against the force of the force store. In a second setting the actuator enables pushing of the brake housing into the second position. A brake element is thereby brought into contact with the brake rail.

Abstract: A locking device for preventing the rotation and/or the axial movement of a pin includes a coil spring wound around at least a portion of the pin and having one end rigidly connected to a support structure. In its undeformed condition, the spring has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the pin, whereby in its resting condition the spring is tightened around the pin to prevent a rotation thereof at least in a direction or an axial movement in any direction. The device includes shape memory means for causing the unwinding of the turns of the spring for the purpose of temporarily releasing the pin.

Abstract: A motion control system configured to control motion of a load object independent of the load object, includes a main housing having an internal nut secured with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main housing, and a threaded helical gear movably secured within the main housing. The threaded helical gear includes an end configured to be operatively secured to the load object. The helical gear threadably engages the internal nut. One or both of a first frictional force between the helical gear and the nut or a second frictional force between the nut and at least a portion of the main housing provides a resistive force that controls motion of the load object.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for a fluid-actuated brake comprises a slack adjuster collet (24) having a tubular skirt and an enlarged ring section. The enlarged ring section has opposed axial stop faces notched therein that define a conical lift surface facing the tube axis. A forward stop face has a conical or beveled surface arranged to engage the conical or beveled surface on one stop face of the collet when the collet carried by the actuator rod reaches the forward stop face and a retraction stop face has a conical or beveled surface arranged to engage the conical or beveled surface on the other stop face of the collet when the collet carried by the actuator rod reaches retraction stop face. The conical or beveled surfaces are configured so that when they engage, the force of the collet on the push rod is reduced.

Abstract: An actuator having a frame which is fixed to an electric motor; a gear drive for transmitting motion from the motor to a drive shaft between two predetermined positions, and a brake consisting of a coil spring, having, when relaxed, an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of a support shaft that is fixed relative to the gear drive, and around which the spring is coiled, each of the two free ends of the spring being arranged in a respective slot, formed in the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic jack for long-term support. The hydraulic jack for long-term support includes a base, a housing, an oil cylinder, a piston rod, a top cap, a pump body, a pump core, a handle, a press handle, an oil return valve, a press cap and a slit nut. The slit nut surrounds the piston rod and engages with the piston rod via screw threads. The press cap is disposed on upper ends of the slit nut and the top cap and surrounds the piston rod. The present invention can achieve safe and reliable lifting operation.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system provides a releasable mechanical lock between telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a stationary backing wedge block that defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft and piston is supported generally parallel to the backing wedge block. A slidable wedge block biased by a spring to a locked position is supported for reciprocal movement on the shaft along the angled smooth surface. Hydraulic fluid urges the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring to an unlocked position.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a pin based mechanism creates physical three dimensional contoured surfaces from a CAD input. When the digital design is downloaded into the device a pin array is collectively actuated to the desired geometry. An optional rubber interpolation layer is held onto the tops of steel pins to prevent undesired dimpling of the surface caused by the discrete nature of the pin array. A single mechanically actuated plate moves all of the pins in the pin array. The device works by pulling all of the closely packed steel pins simultaneously in one direction via a moving plate. As the pins move, they are individually braked and held in position by a phase-changing brake array, integrated with input circuitry. When the plate reaches the end of its stroke, all pins are in the proper configuration.

Abstract: An emergency lowering (retraction) mechanism for a linear actuator includes first and second cylindrical parts, an operating handle outside of the first cylindrical part, and a coil spring which has a first end connected to the operating handle, a second end connected to the second cylindrical part, and a plurality of windings, with some of the windings wrapping around and contacting the outer periphery of the first cylindrical part and some wrapping around and contacting the outer periphery of the second cylindrical part.

Abstract: A linear motion brake (10) includes a channel shaped shoe guide (90) straddling a linear race (20) and having shoe bores (95) defined in leg plates (92) for receiving brake shoes (12). A piston (100) is reciprocally received in a piston cavity (86) of a plate-shaped housing (80) secured to the shoe guide (90). The piston (100) includes first and second protrusions (76, 134) extending from the piston head (102) in the reciprocation direction. Springs (114) are sandwiched between the shoe guide (90) and the piston (100). Ribs (116) of the piston (100) are slideably received in cutouts (96) formed in the connecting plate (94) of the shoe guide (92). Reciprocation of the protrusions (76, 134) cams the brake shoes (12) against the linear race (20).

Abstract: A motion control apparatus (10) in the form of a linear brake includes a camshaft (23) rotatable in a housing (11) moveable along a linear rail (30). The camshaft (23) is rotated by a gear motor (15) causing an eccentric engagement portion of a cam follower (24) to abut with a facing (12) which engages the linear rail (30) to provide a clamping force thereon. A damper (25) is received on a dowel pin (14) secured to the housing (11) and received in a U-shaped groove in the camshaft (23) to inhibit further rotation of the camshaft (23). A shim (20) separates the outer races of the bearings (22) receiving the camshaft (23) to preload the first and second bearings (22).

Abstract: A braking device for a rotating shaft and a gear motor system using the same. The braking device includes a brake subassembly, a rotating shaft, and a sleeve. The rotating shaft is sheathed with the sleeve. The brake subassembly includes an adjustable screw, a spring, and a brake disc. One end of the spring presses on top of the brake disc and the other end presses at the bottom of the adjustable screw. After the adjustable screw is fixed, the bottom surface of the brake disc is tightly against the outer surface of the sleeve. When the adjustable screw is adjusted, the amount of compression of the spring is changed and the pressure imposed on the brake disc by the spring varies accordingly such that the friction between the brake disc and the sleeve is changed.

Abstract: Actuator of the type where a driving rod (11) is extended by a nut (10) on a driven spindle. A manually operated emergency lowering device (14) for the driving rod (11) is mounted between the driving rod (11) and a mounting bracket (16) at the end thereof. The emergency lowering device (14) comprises a first cylindrical part (15) connected with the mounting bracket (16) and a second cylindrical part (17) connected with the driving rod (11). The two cylindrical parts are coupled together by a screw spring (21). The spring is released by an operating grip (19) constructed as a bushing in which the one end (22) of the spring (21) is secured. The other end (23) of the spring (21) is secured in the cylindrical part (17) connected with the driving rod (11). Rotation of the bushing causes the spring (21) to be released, whereby the driving rod (11) may be screwed back by the manually applied torque.

Abstract: A washing device and brake mechanism thereof includes a casing and a bucket received in the casing. The bucket has a plurality of through holes and orifices defined therein. A brake mechanism is connected with the casing and includes a base mounted on the casing. The base has a receiving space defined therein. A spindle is pivotally connected with the bucket for driving the bucket to rotate. A seat is received in the receiving space and two support portions oppositely formed thereon. A pedal is pivotally connected with the seat and located between the two support portions for driving the spindle to rotate. The pedal has a braking pad disposed thereon for selectively abutting against the spindle. When the braking pad is driven by the pedal, the spindle is abutted against by the braking pad and stops rotating.

Abstract: An elevator installation has braking equipment for braking and holding an elevator car which moves in vertical direction within guide tracks or rails. The braking equipment consists of at least two brake units each comprising a normal force regulation device that sets a normal force (FN) in correspondence with a normal force value determined by a brake control unit and/or a locking device that locks the brake unit in a set braking position and which preferably maintains the set braking position in the case of an interrupted energy supply. The braking equipment provides a gentle braking or holding of the elevator car, which corresponds with the operational state of the elevator installation, with a low energy requirement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speed control system, a speed control wheel mechanism and a spring compression system where magnetism is used as a unique speed reduction means to control excessive speed of a free rolling wheel, roller or pulley. The action takes place where a plurality of braking fins between two side plates are forced outward by the means of centrifugal force into one or more magnetic braking calipers. The braking fins are retained by the means of springs that are overcome by inertia of the centrifugal force with increasing speed. With the addition of the spring compression system using multiple springs of different compressive resistance over a wire rope or cable, a cushioning effect can be achieved over any given distance depending upon the speed and weight of the vehicle or device.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for driving and/or braking a shaft (1) includes an electric motor having a rotor (2) that is rotationally fixed to the shaft (1), and a stator (4) supported in a housing (3) around the shaft (1) with a rotational degree of freedom in the peripheral direction in the direction of brake actuation. The stator (4) is operatively connected to the brake pad (7) by a device (5) that converts rotational movement of the stator (4) into axial movement of at least one brake pad (7) that is supported in an axially movable fashion such that, when the electric motor is operated as a generator, the stator (4) is rotated relative to the housing (3) by torque arising between the rotor (2) and the stator (4), such that the brake pad (7) is pressed by the device (5) against the brake disc (8).

Abstract: An electric motor (102) with passive integral brake (104) includes a stator (204) with one or more magnetic field controllable coils (206) and a rotor (208) with a rotor shaft (210) positioned within an inner diameter (212) of the stator (204). The rotor (208) is operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis (214) of the rotor shaft (210). The electric motor (102) with passive integral brake (104) also includes a brake shoe (302) positioned within the inner diameter (212) of the stator (204) along the longitudinal axis (214) of the rotor shaft (210). The brake shoe (302) is operable to apply a braking force to the rotor shaft (210) and remove the braking force from the rotor shaft (210) responsive to a magnetic field strength produced by the one or more magnetic field controllable coils (206). One or more springs (220) passively apply the braking force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking device comprising a housing mounted in relative rotation relative to a shaft, first braking means, attached to the brake housing, second braking means attached to the shaft, adapted to cooperate with said first braking means, a braking piston adapted to stress said first braking means, at least one spring washer comprising two faces, an internal periphery and an external periphery, said spring washer being mounted supported on the brake housing according to a housing support zone located on one of the peripheries of the first face of said spring washer, said spring washer having on its second face a braking support zone, adapted to cooperate with the braking piston so as to stress the first braking means according to a braking direction, said device being characterised in that: it comprises an unbraking piston, adapted to stress the elastic means according to a direction opposite said braking direction, the at least one spring washer has an unbraking support zon

Abstract: An axial damper for elements having a cylindrical, rectangular or squared section, includes two identical fixing clamps, each fixing clamp including an upper part and a lower part connected to each other by a clamping device to be wound around the elements. At least two rafter-tie-rods are each connected at two ends thereof to the clamps. The rafter-tie-rods are placed equidistant from each other in the case of more than two rafter-tie-rods. The damper also includes two damping systems, each including two or more blocks of elastomeric material, with a pre-compressed elastic element interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An elevator brake can comprise a brake shoe with a substantially curved shape, the brake shoe being rotatable in a brake shoe support. The brake shoe support is mounted in a brake housing and can be linearly displaced between a readiness setting and an engagement setting. The brake can be actuated by an actuator. The actuator can comprise a brake store for acting on the brake through a connecting point to bring the brake into its engaged setting. A force store in the actuator can be held electromagnetically, and a resetting device enables resetting of the force store and of the actuator into the operating position.

Abstract: A brake structure for a main shaft of a direct drive torque motor comprises a body, a direct drive torque motor, a main shaft and a brake assembly. The main shaft is provided for fixing the torque motor and the body, and the brake assembly is mounted between the body and the main shaft. An annular brake oil room of the brake assembly is positioned against the main shaft, and the brake seat subassembly has a thinner brake deformation wall formed between the annular brake oil room and the main shaft. The annular brake oil room utilizes its high pressure caused deformation to the brake deformation wall, thus achieving a braking effect by pressing the main shaft. Thereby, the present invention is easy to assemble, and not only can stop the main shaft quickly, but also has a greater locking force.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for an injection device for generating a braking action on a moving, e.g. rotating, part or component of the injection device.

Abstract: A rotary table has a non-circular drive recess in the central opening which carries a fitting adapter ring to which slip carriers are attached. A plurality of slip carriers are distributed about the periphery of the adapter ring and extend down into the central opening of the rotary table. A slip and die arrangement is situated on each slip carrier. Slip manipulation drive cylinders, as an option, are distributed about the adapter ring periphery and move a synchronizer ring that moves the slips vertically to grip or release pipe extending through the opening of the rotary table. The drive cylinders, as an option, may be comprised of flexible bellows.

Abstract: A safety device is provided having a clamping system that uses pressure admission into a chamber of a clamp element dependent on the position of a weight to be carried relative to the clamping system. For this purpose a valve is provided in a medium supply line, which valve is to be opened or closed by means of a movable actuation element. Here, the actuation element should be movable in the same direction in which the weight moves, preferably in a vertical direction. As a result of the arrangement of such a valve, the device couples the vertical movement or position of the weight with an actuation of the valve, and thus to provide an additional control for the pressure admission into the chamber or the clamping force resulting therefrom. A preferred chamber has curved top and bottom walls that elongate with a pressure drop.

Abstract: A hold open rod is provided. The hold open rod includes an outer tube, a lock body connected to the outer tube, an inner tube, slidingly disposed within the outer tube and lock body, the inner tube having an outer surface, and a friction pad captured between the lock body and the outer surface of the inner tube. A method for damping movement of a telescoping rod is also provided. The method includes attaching the locking body to an outer tube, configuring the outer tube and the inner tube to move with respect to each other in a telescoping manner, fitting a damper between an outer diameter of an inner tube and a locking body, and fitting the damper to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the inner tube and the locking body.

Abstract: A pole mounted brake device has a unitary body with a passage through which the pole extends. The body is connected to the bottom of the planter, bird feeder, light fixture, or other container which is height adjustably mounted on the pole. A control element is biasedly positioned within the body for adjusting the vertical position of the body and the container on the pole. The control element is configured such that when it is pressed and slid downward within the body, the brake device which is connected to the container controls the movement of the container along the pole. When the pressure on the control element is released, the brake device and thus the container become immobilized on the pole. The pole brake also has application for controlling the movement of horizontally positioned, pole supported containers or objects.

Abstract: A positionable support device employs a motion restriction device retrofitted to an existing spring cylinder to adjust the amount of force exerted. In one embodiment, split ring is pressed against an actuating shaft of the spring cylinder with adjustable force. The force on the split ring causes frictional resistance to the motion of the shaft thereby reducing the force applied. This is useful in spring-loaded positioners which allow the object to be placed, and remain in a selected position. The spring cylinder may be gas-charged or spring-loaded support. Various types of friction adjustment units may be employed to result in a positionable support device which holds an object in a desired position.

Abstract: A clamping device with a housing, a spindle which is rotationally mounted in the housing, and an elastic clamping element, the clamping element being movable by application of a force out of a first position in which the spindle can be turned into a second position in which the spindle is clamped by the clamping element. The clamping element has an inner cylinder which surrounds the spindle to be clamped, an outer cylinder which is located coaxially to the inner cylinder, and a membrane which connects the inner cylinder to the outer cylinder. The clamping element is annular and roughly cup-shaped with an opening in the middle of the clamping element so that the inner cylinder surrounds the spindle to be clamped. The clamping element is shaped and arranged such that, by applying a force to the clamping element the curvature of the membrane can be changed.