Abstract: A primary pipe gripping mechanism and a backup, secondary pipe gripping mechanism are carried in a single tapered slip bowl. The primary gripping mechanism employs smooth surface pipe dies that set against and grip and hold the pipe without damaging the pipe surface. After the primary mechanism is set, toothed dies in the secondary gripping are automatically engaged with the pipe with only a minimal pipe gripping force. Accidental slippage of the pipe through the smooth dies sets the toothed dies down against a wedging surface to grip and hold the pipe to stop its downward movement. A resilient biasing device is used to urge the toothed dies away from the pipe before the smooth dies are set. Movement of the pipe relative to the already set, smooth dies automatically causes the toothed dies to set and grip the pipe to thereby limit the incidence of pipe damage to those situations in which pipe slippage occurs through the primary gripping mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking device of a linear motor table which can stop in a fixed state of the table when the electrical feed is cut off. A braking device 11 is installed, which comprises: a shaft 12 extending in the direction of movement and attached to the table 42; a retainer 14 movably inserted onto the shaft 12; balls 15 inserted into the pocket of the retainer 14 and rolling along the shaft 12; an outer cylinder 16 located including the retainer 14 and having a tapered surface 16a on the inside of the outer cylinder; a coil spring 18 for urging retainer 14 to be jammed onto the tapered surface 16a; and a linear electromagnetic solenoid 17 which urge the retainer 14 for making the balls 15 release the tapered surface 16a. When the electrical feed is cut off, the balls 15 are jammed on the tapered surface 16a by the action of a wedge, and the table is stopped.

Abstract: A slip element installable about a downhole tool apparatus for use in anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore. The slip element has at least one slip button made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising an effective percentage by weight of a preselected titanium compound. The composite makes the slip button resistant to chipping upon setting but has favorable drillability characteristics upon drilling the downhole tool from a wellbore. The slip element may include at least one slip element made of a non-metallic material such as a laminated nonmetallic composite material. Preferably at least one slip button is made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising less than about 75 percent by weight of titanium carbide having a density ranging between about 5 to 7 grams per cubic centimeter. Preferably, the slip button is cylindrically shaped and is installed in at least one slip element at a preselected angle and extends outwardly at a preselected distance from a face of the slip element.

Abstract: A method for the construction of die members used in slips and elevators in the oil and gas industry for griping pipe. The die having nickel plated teeth with no mud grooves reduces die penetration thereby reducing stress cracking and carbon transfer in nickel alloy pipe thus reducing pipe corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking apparatus for a linear motion guiding apparatus that is able to completely stop a moving portion in the form of table 2 at a desired position by performing braking action by causing a linear motion actuator in the form of a piezoelectric actuator and so forth to activate friction members 58 and 59.

Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A steering column including a mast jacket pivotable up and down for vertical adjustment of the steering column and variable lengthwise for horizontal adjustment of the steering column. A clamp includes a first rotatable screw shaft on a stationary bracket perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the steering column, a second rotatable screw shaft on the mast jacket parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the steering column, a first split nut on the first screw shaft, and a second split nut on the second screw shaft. The first split nut and the first screw shaft cooperate in converting vertical adjustment of the steering column into idling rotation of the first screw shaft. The second split nut and the second screw shaft cooperate in converting horizontal adjustment of the steering column into idling rotation of the second screw shaft.

Abstract: A pipe restraint and methods for its use are disclosed. The pipe restraint includes a hollow cylindrical housing of varying diameter. A shaft having first and second wedges is received by the housing. The housing is attached to a fixed structural member, such as a wall and the shaft is attached to the pipe. Depending on the force being applied to the pipe, one of the wedges engages the housing at a point where the diameter changes. The housing's resistance to movement of the wedges varies between two points of differing diameter of the housing. In one embodiment a disc spring assembly is located at one end of the housing. In one method a gapped restraint is attached to a pipe and the size of the gap in the restraint is less than the anticipated movement of the pipe due to a static load.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with motor-driven assemblies is described. The motor-driven assembly comprises a motor, a pulley driven by the motor, a driven element and a belt drive connecting the pulley and the driven element. The apparatus comprises a motor base and a pivot base. The motor is arranged on the motor base such that, due to the positioning of its mass, the motor will pivot away from the drive element. However, pivoting in this direction is opposed by the belt drive. Thus, as the belt drive tension reduces, the motor will pivot away from the drive element, thereby tightening the belt. A one-way restraining means connecting the pivot base and the motor base prevents the motor from pivoting back toward the drive element, thereby keeping the belt drive taut and retaining drive design expectations.

Abstract: An end of stroke linear decelerator apparatus for powered slides and method include a disc spring member (A) retained upon a guide rod by a retainer disc member (B) which is itself positioned for retention upon a guide rod adjacent a tooling member. An elastomer retainer (C) positions the disc upon the guide rod and has an elastomer extension facing outwardly of the disc for dampening noises and forceful engagement with the frame which supports the guide rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of braking systems, particularly those braking systems that utilize linkages to transmit brake-generated loads from a wheel and brake assembly to a braked vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention, a damped brake rod is provided for attachment to a structure, the structure having at least one wheel and brake assembly. The damped brake rod comprises a rod-like member for attachment to the brake assembly and the structure to resist rotation of the brake assembly relative to the structure, and a bending mode coulomb damper attached to the brake rod that damps cyclic bending mode movement of the rod-like member during braking. The bending mode coulomb damper bears essentially only cyclic loads induced by cyclic bending mode movement of the rod-like member generated during braking. A method of damping a brake rod is also provided.

Abstract: A linear actuator for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided, which comprises a cylinder and a pulling element connected to the cylinder by means of a holding part. The linear actuator further comprises a piston which is shiftable within the cylinder and has a locking part. The locking part including a sealing part coaxial with to the locking part and a conical outer section. The conical outer section has an axial end at a side facing the sealing part and is provided with a peripheral groove at this axial end. Still further, the linear actuator comprises a plurality of locking bodies shiftably arranged between the conical outer section of the locking part and the inner wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus for angularly adapting to misaligned pipe on one or more pipe strings, said apparatus comprising: a housing having internal, opposing, downwardly curved surfaces therein and forming a longitudinal opening for passing a portion of at least one tubing string therethrough; a plurality of slip carriers each having an exterior surface contoured to match said downwardly curved surface and having a downwardly inclined interior surface, each said slip carrier being in movable connection with one of said curved surfaces of said housing; a plurality of slips having downwardly inclined exterior surfaces and longitudinal channels formed on an internal surface for holding gripping elements for gripping a portion of the pipe, each said slip being in sliding engagement with one of said slip carriers; and a lifting mechanism having a securing arm in connection between each pair of said opposing slips.

Abstract: A roll brake to prevent relative movement between a pair of rolls, one or both of which may be driven, in a coil wrapping machine or the like is described. A metal brake plank is placed under each end of each roll in a respective pair of parallel rolls and an air bag actuator is placed intermediate each end of each plank and the roll frame. For rotation of the rolls during wrapping the air bags are deflated but when a new coil is loaded onto the rolls the airbags are inflated thus driving the planks into locking relationship with the rotatable rolls and thus preventing any relative rotational movement therebetween.

Abstract: The seat back flanges (32) mount a seat back (34) to a seat frame for reclining movement relative to the seat frame and a control mechanism controls the pivotal movement of the seat back (34). The control mechanism includes a tubular cylinder (54) and a first coil spring (56) is wound around and in gripping engagement with the cylinder (54). The cylinder (54) is non-rotatably secured to the seat frame by being welded or otherwise secured to the flanges (32). The first coil spring (56) has first (58) and second (60) ends extending tangentially from the cylinder (54). A second coil spring (62) is wound in the opposite direction around and is in gripping engagement with the cylinder (54) and, likewise, has third (64) and fourth (66) ends extending tangentially from the cylinder (54).

Abstract: A multiposition locking mechanism for use in industrial grippers capable of restraining substantially infinite forces including: an angular or conical surface; a locking part; a release part; a force surface for establishing locking forces; a plurality of cylindrical or spherical parts such that the mechanism is capable of moving and locking and releasing a jaw device at more than one discrete point with a maximum of one motor device operatively attached to the jaw device.

Abstract: In a brake device of a linear moving body, a brake member is provided with a hole and a rod is fitted to the hole in clearance fit, and the brake member is moved slantwise and rotational moment is produced in the brake member thereby brake is applied to the rod in relative motion. The brake member is arranged movable slantwise using position as fulcrum remote from the axial center of the rod, and notched portions having width smaller than diameter of the hole are formed at symmetric positions within the hole along a plane including the fulcrum and the axial center of the rod. In this brake device, rotational force (rotational moment) is supplied to the brake member, and drag is produced at a fitting surface within the hole and frictional force due to the drag is made brake force and frictional force due to the drag of the fitting surface is made reaction force of the rotational force.

Abstract: A linear mechanical lock comprises an elongated housing. A rod having a first end inserted into the housing and a second end extending out of the housing. A first lock comprising a locking spring having an end fixed in the housing and extending around a portion of the rod. The normal inside diameter of the locking spring is less than the rod's outside diameter so that the spring grips the rod. A moveable handle engages the locking spring, and movement of the handle uncoils the locking spring to release the rod. A second lock comprises a collet having at least one jaw around the rod within the housing. The jaw normally is out of the engagement with the rod. The collet has a first region having an inside diameter around the normal position of the jaw to provide sufficient room for the jaw to be out of engagement with the rod.

Abstract: The mechanical lock has an elongated housing. A pair of end bushings mounts in the housing, and a rod translates through the end bushings and at least partially through the housing. A pair of coiled locking springs within the housing are around the rod and between the end bushings. One end of each locking spring is fixed within the housing, and the other end of each locking spring is free. The normal inside diameter of each locking spring is less than the outside diameter of the rod so that the locking springs secure the rod. A handle can uncoil the free end of each locking spring to increase their inside diameter and release the rod. A wedge bushing mounts in the housing between the locking springs. The face on each end bushing against its respective locking spring is at an angle, and the wedge bushing also has an angled face on the other side of each spring.

Abstract: An automatic output shaft locking mechanism for electric tools, and particularly a locking mechanism in which the output shaft is driven by electric power and will automatically lock in position when it is turned by an external force, including a retaining end with three equi-angular projections at one end of the output shaft in the tool, and a rotary disk having three equi-angular notches at an outer side. The outer portion of the rotary disk is fitted with a securing ring, and its three notches receive lock rollers respectively. When the retaining end turns, the three projections will push the lock rollers to engage the securing ring so that the output shaft is locked in position.

Abstract: A braking apparatus and a rolling guide unit on which it is equipped. A pressure control device, such as a hydraulic cylinder mechanism, operates according to a braking command signal emitted when an operation switch for braking is actuated, or when the braking command signal is emitted based on memory data. This causes the braking members to make contact with and push against a surface of the track rails other than the track surface, in order to fix the position of the rolling guide unit. The braking members are released from the surface based on the emission of a braking release command signal, so that the position is no longer fixed.

Abstract: A support arm for attaching a device in a suspended manner is described. The support arm comprises a carriage secured to a top portion thereof for displacement along a guide rail. A brake pad is retained in a top end of the support arm and is actuated by a rotatable sleeve disposed at the bottom of the support arm whereby the brake pad is releasably engaged to arrest the arm at a desired location along the guide rail. A connecting bracket is rotatably secured to a bottom portion of the support arm to secure a device to be supported by the arm. A locking mechanism is actuable by the sleeve to unlock the connecting bracket to permit the device and the bracket to be rotatably displaced to a desired position and locked at such position. Particularly, but not exclusively, the support arm is for attaching a medical instrument in a suspended manner inside a patient's room of an ambulance.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial position of a terminal (16) along the end of the core element rod (12) in a motion transmitting remote control assembly (10). A coil spring (24) normally grips the knurled end of the rod (12) to prevent axial movement of the terminal member (16) relative to the rod (12). A collar (34) is rotatably disposed about the terminal member (16) and includes a slot (36) engaging a movable end (28) of the spring (24) for moving the end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially along a recess (32) in the terminal member (16). As the collar (34) is rotated, a first end (26) of the spring (24) is held circumferentially by a hole (30) and the spring (24) unwinds as the slot (36) engages and moves the movable end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially.

Abstract: The invention comprises an in-line cable insert for the parking brake cable system of a vehicle which maintains an already established tensile preload by eliminating slack in the cable system which would reduce the preload. The insert comprises a cylinder having an internal chamber, a piston sealed by a diaphragm therein, and a stem connected to the piston comprising one or more sets of ratchet teeth and pawls rotatably connected within the cylinder which engage the ratchet alternatively in half pitch increments. The chamber of the insert is connected to a vacuum source such as the intake manifold of a vehicle engine. The insert maintains the tension in the parking brake cable system when vacuum created in the chamber of the cylinder causes the piston to move downwardly, thereby tightening the brake cable, when the vehicle is started.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable linear locking assembly for vehicle seats is disclosed which includes a movable elongated element defining a longitudinal axis. First and second roller ball assemblies coaxial with the elongated element are provided, which assemblies have at least two substantially equidistantly spaced apart roller balls surrounding the elongated element. First and second roller ball housings contain the first and second roller ball assemblies, respectively. The housings are coaxial with the elongated element and have internal wedging surfaces for wedging the roller balls between the internal wedging surfaces and the elongated element. A rotatable locking member is provided adjacent to each roller ball assembly, with the locking member being coaxial with the moveable element and rotatable about the elongated element.

Abstract: The actuator includes a housing and a gear nut within the housing. A leadscrew on which the gear nut is threaded traverses the housing. As the leadscrew moves axially, the gear nut rotates. The actuator allows a manually controlled ball in a groove to project into castellations on the outside of the gear nut to prevent the nut from rotating. This locks the leadscrew. Disengaging the ball from the gear nut releases the gear nut and leadscrew. To prevent misalignment between the gear nut and leadscrew, the gear nut's outer walls and the housing's inner walls are spherical against each other. A bearing may be in between. This permits the gear nut's axis of rotation to pivot in any direction along with any pivoting of the leadscrew while the gear nut still can rotate about the leadscrew. Therefore, if the leadscrew is not aligned with the housing, the leadscrew will pivot the gear nut so that the gear nut remains aligned with the leadscrew and movement of the leadscrew still occurs.

Abstract: A braking apparatus that achieves an extremely small number of components, simple construction and reduced manufacturing cost and so forth, along with a rolling guide unit on which it is equipped. The above advantages are obtained by providing a braking member, formed by integrating a base portion and clamping portions into a single unit, and clamping a track rail with those clamping portions by elastically deforming the base portion. According to this constitution, the member for producing braking force by clamping the track rail is essentially only that braking member.

Abstract: A forward-moving inching unit and a backward-moving inching unit are built in a casing (1) which is slidable relative to a guide member (b).

Abstract: A rodless cylinder with a position detector and a brake has a sliding table which is slidably retained on a cylinder tube. A moving member (piston yoke) of the rodless cylinder is secured to the sliding table. A brake unit part is connected to one side of the sliding table, and a sensor part is connected to the other side of the sliding table. A brake plate is disposed to extend through the brake unit part. Both ends of the brake plate are connected to a first and second head covers, respectively, which are provided at both ends of the cylinder tube. A first and second brake shoes are disposed to sandwich the brake plate therebetween. The first brake shoe is subjected to brake spring force. A passage for supplying a pressure fluid is communicated with the other side of the sliding table. Thus, the brake is actuated by allowing the brake spring force, together with a fluid pressure if necessary, to act on the first brake shoe, and the brake is released by the action of a fluid pressure.

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

Abstract: A longitudinal locking mechanism in which a male lock member may be adjustably projected from a female lock member in the longitudinal direction thereof. The female lock member has a bellmouthed split end portion warped outwardly and radially relative to the central axis thereof. Such bellmouthed split end portion may be elastically closed by a slide ring for threaded engagement with the male lock member, so that a desired projection amount of the male lock member may be adjusted for locking purposes in a vehicle seat. The slide ring is biased in a direction to close the bellmouthed split end portion of female lock member, and may be drawn by an operation lever, via an actuation element, in a direction away from that bellmouthed split end portion so as to release the threaded enagement between the male and female lock members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brake that allows an object to rotate continually through its full range of movement, but allows the object to be reliably secured at any position within this range. The object is carried by a brake that includes a deformable cylindrical collar and a lever. Normally, a spring exerts force against the lever, which in turn exerts pressure on the collar, causing the interior diameter of the collar to become smaller. The collar then grasps the rod and prevents the rotation of the brake relative to the rod. A pneumatically controlled piston counters the force of the spring to allow the brake to rotate freely.

Abstract: Device for positioning a rotating body movable about an axis in relation to a stator body including a magnetic bearing and a locking/releasing device. The locking/releasing device embodies a plurality of clamps with pads adapted to radially grip a shaft of the rotating body. The clamps are articulated on the stator body about axial pins spaced from the rotational axis and evenly distributed in an angular manner about the rotational axis, and can be pivotally moved about the axis, by a moving control part between a released configuration in which the gripping pads are at a maximum distance from the axis and a locked configuration in which the pads are at a minimum distance from the axis suitable for inducing radial clamping of the shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable seat back recliner mechanism employs a linear actuator to provide infintely adjustable operation. The actuator rod is maintained in its locked position by the contact of a friction surface on the rod with a friction surface on a lower clamp member. Upper clamp members transmit spring locking force through the actuator rod to the lower clamp member by the pivotal action of locking plates. External forces applied to the actuator amplify the locking force applied through the locking plates.

Abstract: A slip-type gripping assembly comprises an outer body defining a longitudinal through opening for receipt of the object. A number of slip bodies are circumferentially spaced about the through opening and are radially movable toward and away from the locus of the object. Each slip body is pivotable about a generally longitudinal axis generally circumferentially centered with respect to the slip body as well as about a tangential axis. A respective force transfer formation is cooperative between each slip body and the outer body for transferring radial force therebetween while permitting the pivoting.

Abstract: A lock apparatus selectively locks and unlocks a rotatable shaft from rotation. A brake disc is formed with opposed lock surfaces. First and second lock rings rotatably mounted on first and second bearing members are alternatingly moved by rotation along spaced projections on the adjacent first and second bearing members into locking engagement with the lock surfaces on the brake disc and away from the brake disc to an unlocked position. An outer member of each of the bearing members is held in a fixed position by engagement with first and second end caps mounted on the brake disc. An inner bearing member is axially movable with respect to the outer bearing member to bring bearings disposed in outer and inner races on the outer and inner bearing members into contact with thrust faces on the outer and inner members as axial force is imposed on the rotatable shaft to enable rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A brake assembly and method are provided wherein a shaft having a bore rotates about a rod such that a flexible ring member positioned within a groove of the rod expands into frictional contact with the shaft bore wall for restricting rotation of the shaft when pressure is increased in a chamber formed between the flexible ring member and a bottom portion of the groove. The brake assembly for use with a model vehicle incorporates an onboard air pressure tank which suppplies pressure to the chamber forcing the O-ring into frictional contact with a rotating hub for bringing the rotating hub to a stop. A pressure regulator valve having both high and low pressure sources provides multiple pressure levels to the chamber for imparting varying frictional forces to the rotating hub for taking the vehicle through a controlled slowing and stopping action.

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

Abstract: An adjustable stand with a telescopic stem comprises a locking device for fixing the stem elements to one another firmly, the locking device including a collar which is connected to the first stem element and is automatically clamped onto the second element as a result of the load bearing on the second stem element.

Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where a rod is normally locked for axial movement through a lock housing by a spring tightly wound about the rod and axially fixed to the housing, the rod being released by partially unwinding the spring. The lock is assembled without welding of the components to permit use of dissimilar materials in the lock housing selected for strength and weight characteristics and use of plated or painted components. The lock housing is configured to reduce the number of parts in the lock and adjustment can be made to eliminate axial free play of the locking spring following assembly of the lock housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-applied, mechanically-held brake assembly and a vehicle air brake system employing the same. The air brake system typically includes a push-pull or hand-brake valve for park and emergency applications, a treadle valve for service applications, reservoirs of air under pressure, and other valving and plumbing. The brake assembly applies and releases the brake upon the supply and exhaust, respectively, of air from a first pressure chamber. The brake assembly locks and unlocks the brake in an applied position by the exhaust and supply, respectively, of air from a second pressure chamber. The locking mechanism of the brake assembly is designed to compound the force of the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber with the force of the fluid pressure supplied to the second pressure chamber when unlocking the brake to compensate for back pressure.

Abstract: A force transmitting load alleviator apparatus 10 and method are provided for rotatably and pivotally driving a member to be protected against overload torsional and bending (moment) forces. The load alleviator 10 includes at least one bias spring 42 to resiliently bias cam followers 18 and cam surfaces 22 together and to maintain them in locked engagement unless a predetermined load is exceeded whereupon a center housing 12 is pivotal or rotational with respect to a crown assembly 14. This pivotal and rotational movement results in frictional dissipation of the overload force by an energy dissipator 16. The energy dissipator 16 can be provided to dissipate substantially more energy from the overload force than from the bias force that automatically resets the center housing 12 and crown assembly 14 to the normally fixed centered alignment. The torsional and bending (moment) overload levels can designed independently of each other.

Abstract: A telescoping door closer or strut is disclosed wherein a sliding rod is automatically held at any desired position of extension or retraction with respect to an associated housing. An automatic brake and hold mechanism for retaining the rod in the desired position includes an annular disk-like brake mounted on the rod and pivotable from a transverse position where the rod slides freely therethrough and an oblique position where the rod is cramped and retained by the brake. One edge or side of the brake is restrained to cause it to pivot into the oblique position upon movement of the rod in a first direction. A stop attached to the housing engages the opposite side of brake to keep it in the transverse position upon movement of the rod in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A stacker crane comprising a trolley movable above the ground, a generally vertical rigid mast depending form the trolley, an assembly including a frame moveable along the mast, and a load engaging mechanism mounted on the frame, an adaptor plate mounted on the frame for vertical movement relative thereto, and a brake mechanism including a housing fixed against vertical movement relative to the plate, a brake member which is supported by the housing and which engages the mast to prevent downward movement of the housing relative to the mast consequent to undesirable downward movement of the assembly relative to the mast, and a shock absorber which is fixed relative to one of the adaptor plate and the frame, which engages the other of the adaptor plate and the frame and which stops downward movement of the frame relative to the adaptor plate over a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A brake system is provided that applies braking forces on surfaces in both the translational and rotational directions using a single acting self-contained actuator that travels with the translational mechanism. The brake engages a mechanical lock and creates a frictional force on the translational structure preventing translation while simultaneously creating a frictional torque that prevents rotation of the vertical support. The system may include serrations on the braking surfaces to provide increased braking forces.

Abstract: A dynamic motion limiter for supporting high temperature piping in nuclear power plants, the motion limiter including a cylinder and piston wherein the movement of the piston within the cylinder is limited with intermittent contact between energy absorbing stop positions.

Abstract: A slip-type gripping assembly comprises an outer body defining a longitudinal through opening for receipt of the object. A number of slip bodies are circumferentially spaced about the through opening and are radially movable toward and away from the locus of the object. Each slip body is pivotable about a generally longitudinal axis generally circumferentially centered with respect to the slip body as well as about a tangential axis. A respective force transfer formation is cooperative between each slip body and the outer body for transferring radial force therebetween while permitting the pivoting.

Abstract: In a rodless cylinder unit with brake, which comprises a sliding table slidably held on a cylinder tube, brake bands inserted into the sliding table and both ends thereof fixed on both ends of the cylinder tube, and the sliding table provided with a brake for squeezing the brake bands, a slit with open upper end is formed on a side of the rodless cylinder of the cylinder tube, an air supply tube is accommodated in the slit, one end of the air supply tube is connected to the sliding table, and the other end of the air supply tube is connected to an end of the cylinder tube. When the air for brake release is supplied to the brake through the air supply tube, the brake is released, and the sliding table becomes movable. When the sliding table is moved, the air supply tube accommodated in the slit is overlapped or not overlapped with very low friction depending upon the moving direction of the sliding table.

Abstract: At least one toothed roller cooperates with a deformable bar with respect to a casing which contains at least one V-shaped cam. The V-shaped cam has a central portion with opposed toothed ramps cooperating both with the toothed roller. A control cam acting on the V-shaped cam for permitting a blockage of the whole assembly is provided. The deformable bar is either made of vertical blades assembled and fixed to one another or provided with transverse bores. The bar will be deformed under action of the toothed roller upon great impact in an accident.

Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where a rod is normally locked for axial movement through a lock housing by a spring tightly wound about the rod and axially fixed to the housing, the rod being released by partially unwinding the spring. The lock housing is configured to reduce the number of parts in the lock and is easily adjustable during assembly to eliminate axial free play of the locking spring. The lock is assembled without welding of the components to permit use of dissimilar materials in the lock housing selected for strength and weight characteristics and plated or painted components.