Abstract: A wheelchair wheel lock system is provided that can be adapted for either pull-to-lock or push-to-lock operation. The wheel lock system includes a function plate with first and second pivot holes. An operating lever is attached to the function plate, and rotation of the lever causes rotation of the function plate and thereby moves a contact arm into engagement with the wheel of the wheelchair to lock the wheel against movement. The operation of the wheel lock system is changed between push-to-lock and pull-to-lock by adapting the function plate to rotate about either the first pivot hole or the second pivot hole. The operating lever can be attached to the function plate in a variety of orientations, providing added flexibility in the operation of the wheel lock system.

Abstract: A skate brake for use on in-line roller skates of the type typically having 3, 4, or 5 wheels in linear alignment. The brake has a channel shaped sheet metal frame that fits around the wheel carriage of the skates. The frame holds a number of brake pads in the spaces between the wheels of the skate. An actuator cable connects the frame to a hand held control lever. When the lever is operated, it causes the frame to slide forward, bringing the brake pads into frictional contact with the wheels to cause a braking action. The brake is simple and lightweight, and it does not interfere with the maneuverability of the skates. The brake is easily adapted for retrofitting onto preexisting in-line skates. Also disclosed, is a method for attaching the hand held control levers of a pair of skates together so that the brake mechanisms can be simultaneously operated with one hand.

Abstract: A vertically disposed wheel chock for tandem wheels which engages the opposed tread surfaces of the tandem wheels. The wheel chock includes a pair of members which can be moved toward and away from each other and each member being wedge-shaped and including side plates with inclined edges for engagement with the opposed curved tread surface of pneumatic tires on the tandem wheels. The members are securely engaged with the tire tread surfaces above and below the rotational axes of the wheels to prevent the tandem wheels from rolling in relation to a support surface.

Abstract: An improved and safer roller skate having a braking assembly operable against the wheels, engaged when a user's toes are curled in the skate boot, moving a toe actuator attached to an external slide bar assembly, that slides toward the heel with attached brake pads which in turn engage with the wheels. A resilient compressible member normally holds the brake pads away from the wheels in a nonbraking position.

Abstract: A recreation cart is provided, wherein the cart structure permits the selective securement of a foldable seat structure mounted to the cart, wherein the seat structure includes a plurality of sockets to receive the seat structure in a fixed orientation relative to the cart organization in use.

Abstract: A caster has two wheels with tires non-rotatably secured to a wheel center and shaped with an internal cylindrical drum surface. A brake member pivoted on the caster body has two side walls with out-turned edge portions engageable with respective drum surfaces. The engagement may be at an upper position, or opposite the ground-engaging portion of the wheels.

Abstract: A braking system for an in-line skate wherein an additional wheel is connected to the skate product by a linkage. The linkage is designed to provide progressive braking force on the hub of the additional wheel. The additional wheel is load bearing and can rotate freely when the brake is not actuated. The braking system has a four bar linkage, a preload spring, a load bearing wheel hub and a skate wheel. The four bar linkage is made up of the in-line skate and three linkage bars interconnected in such a manner that they can move relative to one another. Attached to the linkage is a load bearing wheel hub which is attached to a brake wheel. A preload spring is attached to the linkage so that a predetermined force must be applied to the linkage bars before they will move relative to one another. The geometry of the linkage is such that relative bar movement results in a braking force being applied to the wheel hub and thereby to the braking wheel.

Abstract: A brake block holder arrangement comprises a brake block holder (7) receiving a brake force from an axially movable push rod (2) of a brake actuator (1) and being pivotally attached to brake block hangers (5), which are suspended from a suspension bracket (4) on the actuator. A push rod head (3) on the push rod is in direct contact with a generally tube-shaped portion of the brake block holder around its shaft (8) for pivotal connection to the hangers. For accomplishing guiding and torque transmission the push rod head has extensions (11, 12) with a width corresponding to the distance between the side-walls (7') of the brake block holder, one of the extensions being provided with a laterally movable cross piece (19) for toothed engagement with rotatable segments (16) in the inner surfaces of the side-walls.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided to prevent movement of the rotatable stock carrier of a multiple spindle bar machine after it has rotated into position for the machining operation. The clamping mechanism comprises a controllable locking pin to engage indexing pin slots on the stock carrier, a passive pressure brake located opposite the locking pin, and a hydraulically actuated pressure brake in the same quadrant as the locking pin. The hydraulically actuated brake clamps the carrier against the passive brake, and in combination with the locking pin holds the carrier against movements caused by the forces of the machining tools. The hydraulic brake is released by a programmable controller to allow intended rotation of the carrier to a new position.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a foot brake assembly added as an improvement. The assembly comprises a shopping cart caster frame variable length mounting bracket with a worm clamp for mechanically attaching the brake housing and subsequent brake assembly to the shopping cart caster frame. The brake mechanism itself is comprised of a toggle pedal, connector arms, a brake arm, a brake foot travel adjuster rod, a brake foot, aligning and lubricating spacers, as well as required tension pins. The pedal is pivotably attached to the connector arms and pivotably attached to the brake housing. The connector arms are pivotably attached to the brake arm which is pivotably attached to the brake housing. the brake foot travel adjuster rod is screwed into the brake arm and is bonded to the brake foot. The brake foot engages the shopping cart caster wheel when the toggle pedal is depressed by a downward force applied by the operator's foot to the rear portion of the top surface of the toggle pedal.

Abstract: A manually operable hand braking device for such as but not necessarily confined to, a wheel (23) of a wheel chair. The device including a mounting member fixed adjacent the wheel periphery (23a), and a body part (5) mounted for partial rotation about an axis (7) of the mounting member (1) (2) extending transversely of the wheel (23); movement of the body part (5) being effected by a hand grip (26) and lever part (24), extending from the body part (5). The body part (5) being provided with two projecting spaced brake lock parts (21,22) disposed adjacent the wheel periphery (23a) or tire thereon, and arranged so that either of the brake lock parts (21 or 22) are engageable with the wheel periphery (23a) or tire on rotational movement of the body part (5), in one direction or the other, there being an intermediate position permitting freedom of rotation of the wheel (23).

Abstract: A fluid-actuated brake assembly for braking a clutch shaft (2) of a fluid-actuated clutch (4) comprises a support plate (9) having an integral fluid cylinder mechanism for operating a pair of brake shoes (10A, 10B). The support plate includes a retaining bore (8) adatped to be fitted on a bearing (7) for receiving the clutch shaft and is secured onto a support wall (14) which holds the bearing. The brake assembly may be preassembled and, then, may be installed into a vehicle like a cassette.

Abstract: A pedal assembly having a pedal spindle, a pedal body rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle, and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake arm which includes a brake tab for engaging the pedal spindle. The brake arm is selectively positioned between a first position in which the brake tab engages the pedal spindle to restrict rotation of the pedal body and a second position in which the brake tab is disengaged from the pedal spindle. The brake arm is biased by a spring into the first position. A foot pad may be provided on the brake arm for actuation by the user and a pedal spindle insert may be located over the pedal spindle to engage the brake arm. The pedal spindle, brake tab and spindle insert may include multiple, serrated, ratcheted, pointed, or gripping surfaces to increase frictional engagement.

Abstract: The wheel braking device comprises a chassis mounted by a suspension on an axle common to a pair of wheels and a brake member operated by a brake pedal and adapted to brake the rotation of at least one wheel. The brake pedal is mounted for rotation with the axle. The suspension member is mounted near the wheel, about an eccentric fastened to the axle, and is provided with a brake member. The wheel is provided with a brake drum fastened to the wheel and adapted to cooperate by its periphery with the corresponding brake member when the axle is turned in a first direction through action on the brake pedal, thus bringing the brake member towards and into contact with the periphery of the brake drum. The same action is controlled simultaneously on the other wheel on the axle.

Abstract: An auxiliary locking brake for tandem tires is formed by upper and lower wedge members centrally joined by a threaded shaft moving the wedge members toward and away from each other for impinging confronting thread surfaces of tandem tires when disposed therebetween. Telescoping members adjustably extending between panels forming the wedge members permit fore and aft adjustment of the spacing between the wedge forming panels prior to installation of the locking device on the tires of a particular vehicle. Tire retaining flanges on the wedge members prevent lateral movement of the device in a direction parallel with the axes of tandem axles.

Abstract: An improved scooter has a yoke which connects the fork and platform together so that the fork and front wheel can be directionally pivoted to steer the scooter. The yoke includes a bracket and a plate member which each are comprised of a single sheet of metal. The bracket includes a substantially cylindrical housing with a seam portion, two approximately vertical panels which extend generally rearwardly, outwardly, and downwardly from the housing to a horizontal bottom of each panel, and two supports which each extend horizontally inwardly from one of the panel bottoms to provide a surface on which the front of the platform is mounted. The plate member includes a flat portion which extends substantially horizontally between the two panels spaced above the supports to overlie and connect to the front of the platform. The plate member is affixed to both panels. At least one of the scooter wheels has a rim which includes at least one outwardly extending cylindrical braking surface.

Abstract: A child's foot-assisted scooterlike locomotion device is provided which is adapted for use with wheels on improved hard surfaces and for use with skids for use on snow-covered surfaces. Turning of the device is accomplished, irrespective of whether the device is equipped with wheels or skids, by a shift of weight on the device in the direction in which turning is to occur.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary lawn mower comprising a housing supported for rotation along the ground, an engine mounted on the housing and including a rotatably mounted crankshaft, a cutter blade located in the housing and fixed to the crankshaft, a braking surface located on the crankshaft and having common rotation therewith, a brake arm supported for movement relative to the engine between a braking position and a non-braking position, which brake arm has thereon a brake surface which is engagable with the braking surface when the brake arm is in the braking position, a spring biasing the brake arm toward the braking position, an actuating linkage for moving the brake arm into the non-braking position against the action of the brake arm biasing spring, and a lost motion connection between the brake arm and the actuating linkage.

Abstract: A brake system for a wheelchair comprises a base plate fixed to a frame of the wheelchair and a swing lever pivotally mounted to the base plate and provided with a brake member engagable with a circumferential surface of a wheel of the wheelchair. A toggle joint mechanism composed of two pivotally interconnected links is pivotally mounted to the base plate and connected to the swing lever to move the swing lever between an extended braking position and a retracted inoperative position. An operating lever is pivotally mounted to the pivot which interconnects the two links of the toggle joint mechanism. The operating lever has cam surfaces engageable with the two links to depress the latter when the operating lever is moved in either of two directions by pushing it or pulling it. Such action drives the swing lever into braking engagement with the wheel. A biasing spring is provided to urge the links of the toggle mechanism towards retracted position.

Abstract: A brake system for a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus especially suited to an apparatus wherein an operation mode is provided on both sides of a stop mode. A braking of the brake system can be released in the respective modes upon both sides of the stop position, and the braking can be instantly applied at the time of transfer from the fast-foward or rewind mode to the stop mode. The brake system includes a turning arm constructed so as to be extensible and contractable and operable both for an application and release of the braking in dependence upon whether the turning arm is turned in a contracted or extended state.

Abstract: A braking device for a video cassette recorder comprises braking members operatively connected to a supply reel table and a take-up reel table, the braking members pivot about its pivot pins disposed on the center thereof, a movable member including a first trapezoidal recess and a second trapezoidal recess disposed on the rear portion thereof, the first and second recesses being connected to the braking members, respectively, a connecting plate operatively disposed on the movable member, the connecting member including a first trapezoidal recess and a second trapezoidal recess which are disposed on the rear portion thereof, and corresponded to the first and second recesses of the movable member, a connecting portion extended from the front portion thereof and latching portions disposed on the front portion thereof, a ratchet having a triangular protrusion and a latching recess for corresponding to the latching portions of the connecting member, and a cam including a worm gear disposed on the circumferential

Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprises a spool which is rotatable in seat belt winding and unwinding directions. An inertia member is rotatable with the spool at spool accelerations below a predetermined level and rotatable relative to the spool at spool accelerations above the predetermined level. The spool is blocked against from rotation in the unwinding direction in response to relative rotation of the inertia member and the spool. The inertia member is restrained from rotation to effect rotation relative to the spool by an electromagnet having opposite poles extending adjacent the inertia member. The electromagnet is energized to create a magnetic field extending through the poles to cause the poles to be attracted against the inertia member to restrain rotation of the inertia member.

Abstract: A device for preventing vehicles having conventional tandem wheels from moving when parked. The friction of novel dual opposing horizontal shoes pressing against the tires of the tandem wheels prevents the wheels from rotating. A cam and lever action locks the shoes in position against the tires.

Abstract: A wheel stopping device for a baby carriage has a a pair of base members secured to the rear legs for rotatably supporting the rear wheels. A lever support (5) is journalled at (6) to at least one base member. A brake operating lever (7) is journalled at (8) to the lever support and at (10) to a brake rod (11) extending between and connected to the pair of base members. Each end of the brake rod is connected to its base member and the brake rod is so bent as to when the brake operating lever is activated. When the operating portion of the lever is stepped on, the journal points (6, 8, 10) lie substantially in a line for providing a self-locking toggle type action pressing the brake rod strongly against the rear wheel rims to thereby inhibit the rotation of the rear wheel.

Abstract: An exterior brake for tandem tires having upper and lower wedges joined by a bar threaded to the wedges. The bar is rotated to move the wedges together and apart and is locked against rotation by a padlock extending through a lock tab on the bar. The upper and lower wedges fit in wedging engagement between the upper and lower tread surfaces, respectively, of tandem tires. Tire retaining flanges and a tamper prevention skirt are provided on the wedges. Expansion pads to adapt the wedges to tires spaced further apart are also provided.

Abstract: A strip media tensioning system is set forth for imposing drag on a moving band such as a circulating endless belt for driving reel packs for delivery of magnetic tape therebetween. More particularly, an apparatus is set forth which includes a fixed shaft. A sleeve is journalled for rotation about the shaft, the endless belt engaging and rotating the sleeve. To create drag, a visco-elastic ring is positioned between the shaft and sleeve and is compressed against the sleeve creating drag by an eccentrically disposed roller device. The eccentricity of the roller device is adjustable for altering the drag on the circulating endless belt.

Abstract: A brake device for use in an arm of a robot or manipulator cmprises a brake drum, a lever pivotally supported at its intermediate portion, a brake shoe provided on the lever between its pivotally supported point and its one end, a pneumatic actuator axially contractible upon applying internal pressure thereinto and having a movable end connected to the one end or the other end of the lever, and a spring connected to one end of the lever not connected to the actuator so as to operate to elongate the actuator. This brake device is remarkably small-sized and of light-weight and consumes only small amount of fluid pressure to contribute economy of energy in comparison with prior art brake devices.

Abstract: An angular non return device is provided associated with a turnstile (1) having an axis X and capable of acting at will in one or the other direction. This device comprises a drum of revolution (2) integral with the turnstile and coaxial therewith, a fixed vee (3) whose bisecting plane contains the axis X, a roller (4) interposed between the vee and the drum and mounted on a lever (5) so that it may be moved between a first end position in which it is locked by jamming between the drum and a face (3.sub.1) of the vee and a second end position in which it is locked by jamming between the drum and the other face (3.sub.2) of the vee, and electromagnetic elements (6 to 10) for urging the roller at will towards one or other of its two end positions. Portions (14, 15) of the drum are recessed so as to prevent locking of the turnstile in certain angular positions.

Abstract: A hub and dynamo arrangement includes a wheel hub rotatable about the axis of a fixed shaft; a dynamo having an annular stator carried by the hub, an annular armature disposed radially inwardly of the stator and a current collector fixed to the armature for leading off current generated by the dynamo, the armature being mounted for rotation about the axis of the shaft independently of the hub; a control device for selectively arresting and permitting rotation of the armature about the axis of the shaft, whereby electric current is generated when the armature is arrested, the control device including a contact member mounted for radial movement relative to the axis of the shaft and mounted in a position such that the radial movement effects current-transmitting and rotation-locking engagement with the current collector; and an electrically-conducting, actuating wire attached to the contact member, both for transmitting current from the contact member, and for applying mechanical actuating force to the contact

Abstract: An improved brake mechanism for use with roller conveyors is provided. The brake mechanism comprises a brake plate, a brake shoe and a jack mechanism for biasing the brake plate and shoe into and out of braking orientation with conveyor rollers. The brake plate is generally flat and has two rigid extensions thereon. The brake shoe is a resilient, or elastic, loop of material which is stretched between the brake plate extensions and which is securely held thereon by resiliency of the brake shoe material. The brake shoe may be rapidly and easily mounted upon, or removed from, the brake plate without the use of special tools. Preferably, the brake shoe is manufactured from surgical tubing, which generally possesses sufficient resiliency for the application and which has a high enough coefficient of friction to be effective in braking conventional conveyor rollers.

Abstract: A manually powered skateboard which includes a transmission wheel mounted on a rear wheel axle and coaxial with a rear hub having a rear wheel mounted thereon. The transmission wheel is connected to the rear hub through a one-way clutch. A drive wheel mounted on a drive shaft which is disposed under a platform to drive the transmission wheel, and is parallel to the rear wheel axle. A first flexible tension element is wound on the drive wheel and pullable by a user to rotate the drive wheel and in turn the transmission wheel. The first spring is acting on the drive wheel to wind up the tension element. A brake cam cooperates with the drive wheel through a clutch to selectively rotate with the drive wheel to effect the brake action to the rim of the rear wheel. The clutch is actuated by a brake pedal disposed on the front region of the platform. Thus the braking action is effected only by clutching the drive wheel to the brake cam.

Abstract: A controllable fluid damper 14 for a fluid-containing tank 10 in a space vehicle comprising a hollow sphere 14. The wall of the sphere 14 is a honeycomb structure of six-sided cells 24 arranged with respect to the sphere 14 so that the open ends of the cells 24 lie along the radii of the sphere 14. The flat sides of the cells 24 contain small holes 26 which present some resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough. The outer surface of the sphere 14 lies adjacent the inner surface of the tank wall 12. A number of spaced brake pads are located in the tank wall 12 so that the surfaces of the pads are co-planar with the inner surface of the tank wall 12. One of the brake pads, 16, is radially movable in the inward direction; the remainder, 18, are fixed in position. The sphere 10 can rotate with the fluid when a maneuver of the vehicle is started and, then, rotation of the damper 14 can be arrested by moving the movable brake pad 16 into pressure contact with the outer surface of the damper 14.

Abstract: A braking apparatus particularly useful on wheelchair tires, baby carriages, handcarts or the like comprises a main body member mounted on or integral with a frame of an associated vehicle, a lever arm pivoted on the main body, a cam having two operative lobes pivotally mounted on the lever arm, the cam being pivotal over an arc of predetermined length relative to the lever arm and an operating member for pivoting the lever arm. In use, when the lever arm is inoperative the cam is out of contact with its associated tire and when the lever arm is in its operative position a cam lobe surface contacts the tire and is pivoted to apply a braking force, the particular lobe producing the braking when the tire is rotated depending upon the direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A snubbing device for a suspended grapple or the like operable by pressurized fluid in a cavity between a pin and housing of a universal joint which actuates a ramp to cause a retarding reaction between the pin and housing to prevent free swinging of the grapple.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integral braking device for braking a live tool or spindle in a spinwelding machine. The device comprises a cam-activated, spring-loaded brake adapted to bear against a wear resistant braking surface. The brake is both adjustable and self-adjusting and will not interfere with the free rotation of the spindles when not actuated by the cam.

Abstract: A brake device for use with wheelchairs of the type having a main frame and a pair of spaced apart large diameter driving wheels, such as rear wheels. The brake device comprises a bracket or other mounting element for mounting to the wheelchair frame and a lever arm which is shiftable to a wheel locking position to move a brake tab into engagement with the rear wheel of a wheelchair to lock the wheel against further rotation. The lever arm is also capable of being shifted to a reverse or non-locking position so that it moves the tab out of engagement with the wheelchair driving wheel and to a position where it cannot be engaged with the driving wheel to permit free-wheeling movement thereof. The brake device is constructed so that the tab is moveable to a non-interfering position where it is generally parallel to the plane of rotation of the wheel and is not likely to be contacted by the hand of a user. In one embodiment, the tab is manually moveable to the non-interfering position.

Abstract: A brake is provided for twin wheel casters. A brake lever extends between the wheels and is depressed by a toe. This rocks a link through a toggle position and presses a sheet metal brake shoe of generally W-shape against the inner drum or surface of the wheel flange to lock the wheel against rotation. Reverse movement of the lever is effected by a toe to unlock the brake. Edges of the sheet metal brake shoe impinge against the inner surface of the wheel flanges to lock the wheel, and locking action may be augmented by serrating the inner surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A braking arrangement adapted for use in connection with a rollable cart employed in commercial airplanes includes a longitudinal base plate, which has relatively narrow end portions of a predetermined width, and two roller pairs mounted on the base plate. At least one brake mechanism is mounted on the base plate, and acts on a corresponding roller pair. The brake mechanism includes a brake rod in parallel with an axle of the roller pair, a mounting plate for the brake rod located between the rollers, which has a recess on its lower side, and a rotary disc mounted within the recess of the mounting plate, which, in turn, has a downwardly projecting portion provided with two entrainment lugs. A guide for the brake rod is mounted on the mounting plate for restraining lateral movement of the brake rod, while permitting a movement of it along a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: The device for releasably securing stationarily a finely angularly adjusted shaft in an instrument with respect to the body thereof includes a cylindrical flange formed in the body and rotatably supporting the shaft therein and provided with a plurality of cut-out portions arranged circumferentially spaced from each other, a rotatable clamping ring rotatably fitted around the flange and having in its periphery wedge-shaped recesses the arrangement of which corresponds to that of the cut-out portions, and clamping members each received in the respective cut-out portion and wedge-shaped recess aligned therewith so that each clamping member is interposed between the outer surface of the shaft and the respective recess, thereby permitting the shaft to be releasably secured stationarily with respect to the body by rotating the clamping ring in one direction in which each clamping member is urged against the shaft by the wedge-shaped recess, while the shaft is released to freely rotate when the clamping ring is rot

Abstract: A ball screw brake and stop assembly having an elastomeric compression pad or elastomer member circumferentially surrounding the ball screw and received in a counter bore of a non-rotating assembly having a bore receiving the ball screw with the pad confined on its outer diameter and at one axial end. A striker member, dimensioned to be receivable within an open axial end of the counter bore, functions as a stop member limiting axial movement of the ball nut. Upon projection of the striker member into the counter bore, further movement of the ball nut causes axial compression of the elastomer member providing resistance to further axial movement of the ball nut. At the same time, radial expansion of the elastomer member, caused by compression in the axial direction, causes the inner diameter of the elastomer member to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the ball screw to break rotation of the ball screw.

Abstract: A caster-locking device for baby carriages (1) has a fixed shaft (7) secured to the lower end of a front leg (2) of the baby carriage, a notched cylindrical locking body (8) attached to the fixed shaft, a caster bracket (10) installed for rotation on the fixed shaft, a ground-engaging wheel (4) rotatably mounted on an axle (13) inserted in the caster bracket, a locking lever (14) rotatably attached to the caster bracket and having an operating knob (14d) adapted to be operated for rotation from the outside. Holders (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) hold the locking lever engaged with or disengaged from one or more notches (8a or 8b) in the locking body. The orientation of the locking lever and notches relative to each other and to the wheel is such that the locking can take place only when the wheel is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A tread brake for braking a wheel (2) of a railway vehicle which is sprung relative to a frame (4) of the vehicle, comprises an actuator (5) suspended from the frame (4) by a swing arm (6), and a rigid link arm (7) fixed to the actuator (5) and connected through a pivot (8) parallel to the wheel axis to a bracket (9) fixedly mounted to a bearing in which the wheel axle is journalled. The link arm (7) adjusts the position of the actuator (5) in response to any movement of the wheel (2) relative to the frame (4) so that the braking element (11) is always applied substantially radially to the wheel, which allows the element to take the form of an elongate rod of friction material. A new handbrake structure is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to walking aids in general, and more specifically to a wheelchair structure, which is adapted to be used in the normal manner, but which is modified in such a way that it will serve the dual function of walking aid, by incorporation into the standard wheelchair design, of a braking mechanism mounted on a support surface of the wheelchair, which is normally gripped by someone other than the occupant of the chair, and further by the provision of a weighted element which changes the normal center of gravity of the wheel chair to improve its stability in the walking aid mode.

Abstract: A device at a brake actuator for permitting thrust force transmission between an axially movable push rod (4) of the actuator and a brake block holder (6) moving out of line with the push rod.In order to ensure force transmission irrespective of the brake block holder movements and to avoid any slippage between the members a transmission part (5) is arranged between the push rod (4) and the brake block holder (6) and has spherical surfaces in engagement therewith, these surfaces having a common center.

Abstract: A rail car brake system of high mechanical efficiency which is compact, light in weight and economical in that it utilizes mass produced highway truck brake cylinders and slack adjusters and is easy to maintain. Critical components are lubricated and fully sealed against foreign particles. The brake system includes a shoe which is mounted in a brake head to operate in a direction truly perpendicular to the wheel tread to reduce wear, employs a long-lead screw operatively inter-connecting the brake cylinder and brake head via an automatic slack adjuster and an anti-friction roller bearing supporting the screw whereby direct load path absorption of the brake application forces is effected. The brake system also includes a parking brake which is automatically applied and released and which also provides emergency braking capability should the service brake fail. Each brake system operates on one wheel.

Abstract: A device for temporarily holding fast a free circular element with respect to a fixed circular element having circular segments with tangential ramps and a rigid ring with rollers axially rotatable thereon for local thrust against the ramps to cause locking of the free circular element with respect to the fixed circular element. Clevises bearing axial grooved rollers riding on the rigid ring, with the clevises connected to the segments by springs, providing an elastic restoring force to release the free circular element with respect to the fixed circular element.

Abstract: A braking system for applying a controllable braking force to the support shaft of a film supply roll, wherein the braking force is proportional to the weight of film remaining upon the supply roll, and wherein the braking force decreases as the supply of film remaining on the supply roll decreases. The system utilizes a pair of brake yokes which are mounted on opposed sides of the frame of an unwind stand, with each brake yoke having a generally "U" configuration, and with the support shaft for the film supply roll being received within the "U" shaped member. The yokes are mounted upon rams which are controllably elevated, and when elevated, a friction pad which lines the inner periphery of the yoke makes contact with the support shaft. The rams are arranged to reciprocatorily raise and lower the yokes for bringing the friction material into and out of contact with the support shaft so as to provide controlled braking when required.

Abstract: A brake assembly for engaging the periphery of a rotatable member, the brake assembly being energized by rotation of the rotatable member in either direction. The brake assembly includes a movable brake shoe which may be forced into contact with the periphery of the rotating member. The brake shoe has spaced apart rollers which are held in engagement with converging ramps on a wedge block. The brake shoe is permitted to shift laterally with respect to the ramps, and as the brake shoe engages the rotating member one of the rollers will move downwardly along one of the ramps to affect self-energization of the brake shoe. The wedge block is provided with a downwardly extending projection which is disposed between the converging ramps, the projection being received within a recess formed in the brake shoe, the recess being of greater width than the projection.

Abstract: A portable parking brake for use with tandemly mounted wheels of a vehicle including a pair of brake shoes mounted on a central shaft with at least one of the brake shoes being movable horizontally away from the other along that shaft so that each brake shoe can contact the central area of one of the tandemly mounted wheels. Also included is an adjusting means for moving the pair of brake shoes into braking engagement with the wheels to effect the shoes' braking condition.

Abstract: A weight transfer rail traction vehicle adapted for travel on alternate sets of rail or road wheels which is characterized by a number of features including: a spring and shock absorber system which cooperate to maintain the springs, while in a rail travel mode, in an active condition despite substantial weight transfer loads being placed thereon; a hydraulic system which enables the differential axles to be optionally spring supported to the frame or in a rigid fixed relationship therewith; a differential axle suspension system wherein the spring supported axle moves in a substantially vertical plane without lateral shifting; a shock absorbing coupler; a coupler mounting arrangement which includes a coupler carriage directly mounted to a lateral frame member of the vehicle which serves as a guideway for directing travel of the coupler carriage and hence the coupler mounted thereto in a horizontal direction and wherein the coupler itself is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the coupler carriage; a