Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base.

Abstract: A monostable electromagnetic clutch is disclosed, which comprises a movable member, a magnetic assembly, a fixed disc, and a plurality of iron cores, wherein the magnetic assembly is connected to the fixed disc, the iron cores cross through the magnetic assembly and are connected to the fixed disc, the movable member is provided thereon with an spring member, and under an action of an electromagnetic force of the magnetic assembly and an spring force of the spring member, the movable member can reciprocate at a side of the magnetic assembly to keep the movable member and the iron cores in an engaged state or a disengaged state. The structural design of the present disclosure is flexible and compact, and can be combined in a different way according to different applications and different structural spaces.

Abstract: A parking brake for a wheel rotor having a brake pad associated therewith includes a housing defining first and second passages. First and second pistons are provided in the respective first and second passages. Spindles are threadably connected with each piston. A clutch unit is connected to the spindles. The clutch unit has a first condition allowing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons such that the pistons are axially movable within the passages and into engagement with the brake pad in response to hydraulic pressure applied to the pistons. The clutch unit has a second condition preventing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons such that pistons remains engaged with the brake pad when hydraulic fluid pressure is removed from the pistons.

Abstract: A caster wheel brake and anti-swivel system for carts and other wheeled articles is operable to secure free-castering wheels against swiveling rotation about their swivel axes, and against rolling rotation along their horizontal rotation axes. The system includes a swiveling caster wheel assembly and an actuation link, with an anti-swivel actuator and a brake actuator coupled thereto. Linear movement of the actuation link causes the anti-swivel actuator to engage the anti-swivel member that rotates with the caster wheel about the swivel axis, to selectively prevent the anti-swivel member and wheel from swiveling. The actuation link's movement also urges a brake actuator to move a wheel brake and drives a braking surface into engagement with the wheel, thereby preventing the wheel from rolling at the same time it is prevented from swiveling by the pawl. Optionally, a foot-operated torque shaft and a rack-and-pinion arrangement are used to operate the actuation link.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base.

Abstract: A brake plate of a fall arrest system is provided for protecting users during a fall. The brake plate comprises a body having a central opening. The central opening defines an inner circumference of the body. The brake plate comprises a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed along the inner circumference of the body. Further, the brake plate comprises at least two slots on the body, wherein the at least two slots are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. Each of the at least two slots is curved and extends along a portion of an outer circumference of the body.

Abstract: A universal machining system capable of accommodating multiple small-batch or one-off machining jobs, involving workpieces of different diameter and composition, comprises a rotating chuck having multiple jaws that may be adjusted positionally inward or outward towards the longitudinal centerline of the workpiece or removed entirely, and a tool turret capable of holding a variety of socketed tools. System also comprises a measurement sensor, which may be separate or comprise one of the socketed tools. A control program collects machining instructions for a series of workpieces, and directs the chuck, the tool turret, the measurement sensor, and at least one robot to load/unload workpieces and tools from the chuck and turret, respectively, measure workpieces and tools for quality control, and track available storage, overriding or skipping individual machining instructions as dictated by safety parameters and the availability of raw materials and tools.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has an engine static structure and at least one component rotatable relative to the engine static structure about an engine axis of rotation. A fan is coupled to at least one component for rotation about the engine axis of rotation. An actuator is mounted to the engine static structure, wherein the actuator is activated to prevent the fan from rotation and is inactivated to allow the fan to rotate. A method for preventing rotation of a fan in a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a drone system including a drone configured for navigation of an outdoor facility and equipped with an RFID reader, an optical code reader, and at least one of powertrain control module data receiver and an electronic control module data receiver. The system includes a computing system in communication with the drone.

Abstract: A rotational fixing for a guide pin of a disc brake and method for fixing a guide pin of a disc brake. The rotational fixing includes a guide sleeve having a sleeve portion, a receiving portion of a brake carrier, and an inter-connection. The receiving portion receives the sleeve portion. The inter-connection engages the sleeve portion and the receiving portion and restricts rotation of the guide sleeve relative to the brake carrier when the sleeve portion is received by the receiving portion.

Abstract: Provided is a reel having a snap button for locking a spool that includes: a frame including a palm-facing first panel, a gear-facing second panel, a spool space between the first and second panel, and a connecting unit maintaining the space and including a first rib connecting the first and second panel to each other and combined with a fishing rod mount; a spool disposed in the space and having a shaft mounted on the first and second panels; a handle connected to the shaft; and a locking unit including a locking gear coupled to the shaft of the spool, a snap button in the first or second panel, a spring pressing the snap button upward; and a locking protrusion connected to the snap button and fitted in a locking groove between teeth of the locking gear when the snap button is pressed.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the trailer may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a parking brake having an electromechanical braking device, which includes an electric brake motor, the electromechanical braking device being re-applied in order to generate a clamping force again in the case of a fault of the release process of the electromotive braking device.

Abstract: A locking mechanism, which permits fixation to a piston rod of a linear actuator relatively to a cylinder of the actuator, as well as a linear actuator equipped with such a locking mechanism as well as to an aircraft with at least one linear activator that is equipped with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of first positive locking elements which are arranged lengthwise with the outside circumference of the cylinder and in certain distances to one another and at least one second positive locking element, which is moved together with the piston rod upon activation of the linear actuator and thus passes a segment of the cylinder. The at least one second positive locking element is positively engageable with one of the plurality of first locking elements at discrete positions of the cylinder lengthwise, by which the piston rod is fixed relatively to the cylinder.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a braking system may include an actuator, a pawl gear coupled to the actuator, and a wheel gear plate. The braking system may further include a brake pad, an outer wheel coupled to the brake pad, and a spring washer plate configured to press the wheel gear plate against the brake pad such that the wheel gear plate is configured to inhibit rotation of the outer wheel through friction between the wheel gear plate and the brake pad when the pawl gear inhibits rotation of the wheel gear plate. In some embodiments, the braking system may further include a sensor and the actuator may be triggered to actuate the pawl gear in response to signals from the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a miniature precision clamping assembly driven by a shape memory alloy actuator wire (SMA wire) which may be employed within a braking or clutch system. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element and an SMA wire connected to the first and second clamping elements by being interwoven through a plurality of pressure amplifiers located on the exterior surfaces of the first and second clamping elements. Both the first and second clamping elements are configured to be positioned about a rotatable shaft and move in translation to the shaft via a transition action of the SMA wire between a clamping and releasing position. By energizing the SMA wire a contracting or compressing action is generated thereby causing the first and second clamping elements to move into engagement with the one shaft for inhibiting rotational movement.

Abstract: A transport that is manually powered for transporting an injured or disabled person from one location to another. The chair is particularly useful for transporting an injured or disabled person (who is of a heavy weight) up or down a flight of stairs. The chair lift is manually driven by reciprocating hand levers operated by an attendant. A ratchet and pawl mechanism in combination with a brake system, which is continuously set/locked, allows movement of the chair only when the chair is being propelled up a flight of stairs and when an attendant purposefully actuates a hand lever to release the brakes and allow movement of the transporter.

Abstract: A friction wheel includes a hub, two bearings mounted in the hub and each having an axle, and a friction member mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings. Thus, the friction member is mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings to increase the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so that the user has to apply a larger force to overcome the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so as to move the cart forward, thereby preventing the cart from being moved freely.

Abstract: A brake release device attached to a door machine comprises a ring plate provided with a plurality of openings and fixed on a pull chain disc, a base plate located at the outside of the door machine, a passive plate provided with a plurality of plug pins that correspond to the openings of the ring plate and slides together with the sliding pin, a guiding member fixed together with the base plate, a sliding pin corresponding to a brake release bar for releasing brake of the door machine and slidably guided by the guiding member, a spring element and a fusible link device that curbs the sliding pin from leaving the brake release bar. By the spring element, the guiding member stores potential energy for sliding.

Abstract: Method for monitoring the state of a tire, in which at least one analysis value (UR i), from which the state of a tire is determined, is formed from wheel speed signals (?rot i) of the vehicle wheels, wherein the analysis value (UR i) is an absolute rolling circumference of a tire or a variable which represents the absolute rolling circumference of a tire, in particular a dynamic tire radius which is determined by evaluating wheel speed signals (?rot i) and signals from at least one sensor in order to measure the speed of the vehicle over an underlying surface, and the analysis value (UR i) is used to determine a loss of pressure and/or working loads of the tire, as well as a device for monitoring the state of the tire.

Abstract: A brake system for a rollator may include a brake handle, a braking device operatively coupled to the brake handle, and a gear rim mechanically coupled to at least one wheel of the rollator. The brake handle may be pivotally attached to a frame of the rollator and comprises a service-brake position and a parking-brake position while the braking device may be disposed on the frame of the rollator proximate the at least one wheel. When the brake handle is in a service-brake position, a braking member of the braking device is frictionally engaged with an inner portion of a rim of the at least one wheel thereby braking the wheel. When the handle is in a parking-brake position, the braking member of the braking device is engaged with teeth of the gear rim thereby preventing the wheel from rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety braking system for a hand-pushed rollator, which allows the user to engage different operation modes: a park mode, a walk mode, and a brake mode. The present invention comprises a wheel mechanism, a cable assembly, and a handlebar mechanism. The wheel mechanism allows a wheel to rotate during walk mode, to engage the wheel with a parking brake during park mode, and to engage the wheel with a friction brake during brake mode. The wheel mechanism pivots the parking brake and the friction brake on a lever in order to switch between the different operation modes. The handlebar mechanism allows the user to shift between the different operation modes and is engaged to the wheel mechanism through the cable assembly. The handlebar mechanism uses two levers that are pushed and pulled by the user in order to shift between the different operation modes.

Abstract: The braking device is provided a set of shape memory alloy activators positioned, in an agonistic-antagonistic configuration on each side of a brake lever. Braking and releasing phases are dictated by the austenitic transformation of the shape memory alloy activators. During brake activation, shrinking of the braking activator brings the friction pad in contact with a rotating drum creating a braking friction torque. Once the brake has been activated, deformation of a flexible fiberglass component prevents brake releasing by applying sufficient normal force between the drum and the friction pad. Conversely, upon heating of the releasing activator, the pad looses its grip and the drum is free to rotate.

Abstract: A fixing device for an anti-slip cable locker is disclosed. The fixing device provides a connection such that after the cable is engaged, and a single screw action, the cable can be locked after engagement, and therefore, article hooked to the locker will be securedly locked. The fixing device allows a quick installation, rapid engagement with the cable locker and provides anti-slip from the cable locker.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a braking system may include an actuator, a pawl gear coupled to the actuator, and a wheel gear plate. The braking system may further include a brake pad, an outer wheel coupled to the brake pad, and a spring washer plate configured to press the wheel gear plate against the brake pad such that the wheel gear plate is configured to inhibit rotation of the outer wheel through friction between the wheel gear plate and the brake pad when the pawl gear inhibits rotation of the wheel gear plate. In some embodiments, the braking system may further include a sensor and the actuator may be triggered to actuate the pawl gear in response to signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A fall arrest block has a drum (40) on which a lifeline is wound and from which the line can be drawn off or drawn back on, as the work man moves towards and away from the block. One end of the lifeline is permanently secured to the drum, and the drum has sockets (50) for securing ends of more than one different type of lifeline. The block also has a brake (24) in the form of a sealed unit which can be removed and replaced with a fresh unit, when servicing of the brake is required.

Abstract: A brake system, especially for a generator, including a rotor assembly, a stator assembly and a rotation axis is disclosed. The rotor assembly includes an outer portion which is located radially outward of the stator assembly. The outer portion includes a brake disc, and the stator assembly comprises at least one frictional member operatively configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the brake disc.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a retarding device for a hand held cutting machine having a housing (1) and a drive engine, which drives a transmission including a number of transmission members (3?, 2) and driving a rotational or semi rotational cutting tool. The retarding device includes brake means (12, 17) arranged to be in close relation with the transmission and for actuating a retarding force on a transmission member (2), the brake means being arranged to automatically put a retarding force on said transmission member when the speed of rotation or the torque of rotation of said transmission member falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged.

Abstract: A brake device for a packaging strap-reel frame includes a frame body having its intermediate portion secured with a tubular shaft. An inner disc and an outer disc are pivotally assembled on the shaft rod and their outer sides respectively formed with a circular groove. A brake device has one end jointed with the frame body and the other end extended along the inner disc and then vertically bent toward an outer circumferential edge of the inner disc, and a strap-clamping member fixed at a front end of its bent portion, and a brake plate at a location corresponding to the annular groove of the inner disc for pushing against the circumferential wall of the annular groove for carrying out braking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a braking system for a positioner unit in a medical imaging apparatus includes a first brake coupled to a drive unit that is configured to drive the positioner unit along an axis susceptible to influence of gravity. A second brake is coupled to the positioner unit, and configured for operating independently of the first brake. Examples of positioner unit include a patient cradle in a patient support table, and a C-arm and a pivot in a vascular gantry.

Abstract: A disc brake mechanism including a generally annular rotor ring having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a plurality of teeth extending from the inner diameter of the rotor ring, a generally cylindrical drive shaft head defining a major axis, and a plurality of rounded connection wedges extending therefrom. A pair of brake pads are disposed on opposite sides of the rotor, a caliper is connected to a non-rotating portion of a vehicle, a piston is operationally connected to the caliper and disposed adjacent a brake pad, and a pressure plate is operationally connected adjacent a brake pad and positioned opposite the rotor from the piston. Force members are operationally connected to the brake pads.

Abstract: A deployment device for controlling rate of movement of an instrument inside a conduit includes a mandrel having a coupling to affix the deployment device to the instrument and a controllable brake disposed in the mandrel, the brake controllably actuatable to maintain the mandrel and instrument at a selected speed within the conduit.

Abstract: In a disk brake for a vehicle, an electric motor is attached to a caliper body so as to exhibit a power for urging a friction pad toward a disk rotor. The electric motor includes a brush holder for holding brushes which contact a commutator at positions at even distances in a circumferential direction of an armature. Internal feed terminals are disposed in the brush holder so as to provide connection between the brushes and feed wires respectively leading to the brushes. A rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder so as to detect a rotational angle of the electric motor. The rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder on a side opposite from the internal feed terminals with respect to the armature. Thus, it is possible to improve assemblability of the rotational angle detecting sensor to the brush holder, and facilitate operation of connecting the feed wires to the brush holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical safety braking device for use with a mobile storage unit forming a part of the mobile storage system. The device includes an actuating member disposed on a mobile storage unit that is operably connected via a mechanical means to a braking mechanism engaged with a motive system for the mobile storage unit. When the actuating member is engaged, the mechanical connection between the actuating member and the braking mechanism causes the braking mechanism to slow and ultimately cease the operation of the motive means and consequent movement of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having multiple small rotatable wheels mounted laterally thereon whereby lateral movement as well as forward and backward movement is provided. A pair of the wheel assemblies are utilized on a hand-propelled wheelchair that can be moved laterally as well as in the standard forward-reverse motion. The wheelchair comprises a frame, one or more axles, a pair of main wheels rotatable on the one or more axles, and a plurality of small rotatable outer wheels positioned laterally on the main wheels.

Abstract: An incremental braking apparatus and method includes a first rotating member having a plurality of rigid stops spaced circumferentially around an outer cylindrical surface of the first rotating member, and a plurality of flexible stops arranged in a plurality of rows on a stationary member. The flexible stops are selectively movable toward the first rotating member from a disengaged position into an engaged position in which the flexible stops engage the rigid stops to provide a braking action on the first rotating member. An actuator with a beveled edge for engaging the outer ends of the flexible stops is operable to move a selected number of rows of the flexible stops into their engaged positions to provide an incremental braking effect. The rows of flexible stops are staggered such that the flexible stops in adjacent rows are not in circumferential alignment.

Abstract: The frame of an in-line skate (FIG. 8B) supports a wheel (10), allowing a skater to effectively slow down and stop, using an athletic stance that skiers on snow and ice skaters on ice use. The wheel (10) has a hub (20A), allowing a wheel to rotate around the axle (13A) vertically and at an inclination. The hub has axle roller bearings (23B). The wheel (10) includes friction band surfaces (11A) on the sides of the wheel. When rotating at an inclination the wheel's friction surface contacts a friction surface (11B), inside the wheel-well or an axle friction surface or a combination thereof to slow or brake the wheel. The wheel (10) assembly includes self-aligning springs (14A/B). Individual parts can be technically designed to allow various model solutions that will satisfy the abilities of a beginner to an expert. The wheel assembly frame can be attached to an in-line skate, an in-line skateboard, a downhill in-line ski and a downhill in-line skateboard.

Abstract: A trolley wheel mechanism has two caster wheel assemblies each having a pair of wheels mounted on a rotatable housing. In a free mode the wheels are free to both rotate and to swivel. This is caused by the user pressing a release pedal. In a unidirectional mode a retainer lock engages a brake disc to prevent swivelling of the housing. This is caused by the user pressing both pedals simultaneously. A brake mode is caused by the user pressing the apply pedal.

Abstract: A modular go-kart assembly includes an acceleration assembly cooperatively working with a braking assembly for powering and stopping the go-kart assembly. The go-kart assembly further includes a central body, a front drive assembly, a rear drive assembly, and a protective cage assembly, each of which are modular for easy construction and disassembly. The go-kart assembly includes a motor having multiple power take off shafts to provide simple connections to an acceleration assembly and a braking assembly. Both the acceleration assembly and the braking assembly are controlled by one control pedal, so as to provide a safety measure for the operator, which is typically a child.

Abstract: A device for locking/unlocking the movement of a notched member, comprising a toothed wheel, having a coaxial bore and whereof the teeth have a pitch equal to that of the member, and a fixed shaft about which is mounted the toothed wheel, the shaft has a diameter less than that of the bore of the wheel such that, subsequent to a radial clearance, the wheel is capable of moving between a centered unlocking position wherein the tops of the teeth of the notched member closest to the wheel, are located outside the pitch circle P of the wheel and the member can then move freely, and an off-center locking position, when the member exerts on the wheel a force F directed towards the axis of the shaft, position wherein the top of the tooth of the member is located, between two teeth of the wheel, inside the pitch circle P, so that the member and the wheel are mutually locked.

Abstract: The frame of an in-line skate (FIG. 8B) supports a wheel (10), allowing a skater to effectively slow down and stop, using an athletic stance that skiers on snow and ice skaters on ice use. The wheel (10) has a hub (20A), allowing a wheel to rotate around the axle (13A) vertically and at an inclination. The hub has axle roller bearings (23B). The wheel (10) includes friction band surfaces (11A) on the sides of the wheel. When rotating at an inclination the wheel's friction surface contacts a friction surface (11B), inside the wheel-well or an axle friction surface or a combination thereof to slow or brake the wheel. The wheel (10) assembly includes self-aligning springs (14A/B). Individual parts can be technically designed to allow various model solutions that will satisfy the abilities of a beginner to an expert. The wheel assembly frame can be attached to an in-line skate, an in-line skateboard, a downhill in-line ski and a downhill in-line skateboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake, which has a fixed seat, a friction brake shoe, a braking part, a braking spring, an acting block, and a driving block. The acting block is connected with a driving member and matched on an acting face of the driving block. The driving block is connected with the braking part. The braking spring has a first end connected with a driven member and a second end connected to the braking part. The braking part is articulated on the driven member by a support pin. The braking part can be engaged with the friction brake shoe or disengaged from the friction brake shoe, and connected with a driven member. In a normal operation or still state, the brake is capable of braking or releasing braking without additional power.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a toy vehicle includes first and second wheel assemblies mounted on a axle, a cam which is rotatable with the first wheel assembly, and a brake member which is activatable by the cam to engage the second wheel assembly. An orthogonal gear assembly, including first and second gear members, drives the cam. A shaft member is disposed orthogonal to the axle and bears the cam and second gear member. The first gear member is mounted an the axle. The shaft is pivotally mounted and movable between a first position in which the first and second gear members are engaged and a second position in which the first and second gear members are disengaged.

Abstract: A wheel brake of a golf cart has a pedal plate, a positioning seat, a movable seat, a spring, a ring, an elastic bar, a bolt, a nut, and a base seat. The positioning seat engages with the movable seat. The positioning seat and the movable seat are disposed on the base seat. A pair of parallel triangular plates are disposed on the pedal plate. Each of the parallel triangular plates has a round aperture and an oblong aperture. The pedal plate is disposed on the positioning seat. The movable seat is inserted between the parallel triangular plates. The positioning seat has a pair of posts, a protruded block, a round hole, and a recess. The movable seat has a click block, an oblong hole, an inner channel having a triangular head and a curved end, and a slot to receive the spring. The bolt passes through the oblong aperture of each triangular plate and the oblong hole of the movable seat. The bolt engages with the nut. Each post is inserted through the corresponding round aperture of the triangular plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a backing plate for a friction assembly. The backing plate includes a body having a first surface and a second surface. At least one retention member is defined in the first surface. The retention member has a depressed portion defined beneath the first surface and a protruding portion extending in a spiral orientation above the first surface. A method and apparatus for manufacturing the backing plate is also provided.

Abstract: At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: A damper includes a barrel axially slidably mounted on a shaft, an elastic ring mounted inside the barrel around the shaft, arched pressure blocks mounted abutted against one another inside the elastic ring around the shaft, each arched pressure block having an axially extended sloping groove, steel balls respectively arranged in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block in contact with the periphery of the shaft, a rigid locating ring mounted inside the barrel to support the steel balls in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block, a screw cap threaded into one side of the barrel, a compression spring stopped between the screw cap and the locating ring, a hollow adjustment screw member threaded into one side of the barrel to support the steel balls in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block against the locating ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake, which has a fixed seat, a friction brake shoe, a braking part, a braking spring, an acting block, and a driving block. The acting block is connected with a driving member and is matched on an acting face of the driving block. The driving block is connected with the braking part. A connecting rod is attached to the braking part. The braking spring has one of its ends connected with the connecting rod and another end connected to the braking part. The braking part can be engaged with the friction brake shoe or disengaged from the friction brake shoe, and connected with a driven member. Moreover, the contact surfaces between the acting block and the braking block can be a cam mating contact surface. In a normal operation or still state, such structured brake is capable of achieving braking or releasing braking without additional power.

Abstract: A locking device (10) for an indexable spindle (1) to which a tool electrode is attached, comprises a brake disk (2) fixed to the spindle, an annular upper brake member (11) movable in the axial direction of the spindle between a first position and a second position closer to the brake disk than the first position, a annular lower brake member (13) movable in the axial direction of the spindle between a third position and a fourth position closer to the brake disk than the third position, an upper disk (21) arranged facing upper surface of the brake disk across a minimum gap when the upper brake member is at the first position, a lower disk (22) arranged facing lower surface of the brake disk across a minimum gap when the lower brake member is at the third position, and drive means for moving the upper and lower brake members in the axial direction of the spindle.