Abstract: Various embodiments provide, an apparatus for emulating an impulse force exerted by a skeletal muscle, the apparatus including a mass and an actuator, the actuator being adapted to exert a unidirectional force, a unidirectional torque, a unidirectional moment or a unidirectional couple, on the mass, the apparatus being configured in use to selectively couple together the mass and the actuator so that the unidirectional force, a unidirectional torque, a unidirectional moment or a unidirectional couple exerted on the mass by the actuator emulates the impulse force.

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 bicycle brake actuated by a control cable has a first main brake arm and a second main brake arm mounted for pivotable movement with respect to the first main brake arm. A first transfer brake arm is pivotally connected to the first main brake arm, and a second transfer brake arm is pivotally connected to the first transfer brake arm and pivotally connected to the second main brake arm. The first main brake arm has a cable guide for receiving the control cable. The first transfer brake arm has a cable anchor for receiving the control cable, the control cable extending between the cable guide and the cable anchor. The first main brake arm and second main brake arm each support a brake shoe and apply braking force to a wheel when actuated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decelerating a train are provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train. The apparatus including a railway upon which a train travels. The railway including: a movable surface extending in a direction of the train's travel; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the train.

Abstract: Provided is a braking device for an elevator in which energy required for braking and releasing is reduced. The braking device includes a movable plunger (5), braking mechanisms (1-4, 6, 7) which are connected to one end of the movable plunger and are switched between a braking state and a releasing state by an axial movement of the movable plunger, a first drive mechanism (10) using mechanical or magnetic force, for reversing the movable plunger in the middle of a movable range in an axial direction for the switching between the braking state and the releasing state to press and hold the movable plunger to the braking side or the releasing side, and a second drive mechanism (20) using an electromagnetic force, for driving the movable plunger to a reversion position in the middle of the movable range from the braking side or the releasing side against a pressing force of the first drive mechanism in order to switch between the braking state and the release state.

Abstract: The present invention is a spring based actuator with a leaf spring having a length, width and thickness and a coil spring positioned over the leaf spring. The coil spring further comprises: a first end; a second end; and at least one force generator acting on either the first end of the coil spring and the second end of the coil spring to deflect the coil spring and the leaf spring.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a disc brake for moving first and second friction members into engagement with a rotor and effect a brake application. The actuator arrangement includes first and second levers that are pivotally connected to an anchor located in a plane that is perpendicular to first and second rails on which the first and second friction member are retained, a third lever that is connected to the first lever and a yoke to receive a second end of the second lever and align a first ramp surface thereon with a second ramp surface on its end and an input linkage. The input linkage receives an input force and moves on the first and second ramp surfaces to pull on the first lever and push on the second lever to move the first and second friction members into engagement with the rotor to effect a brake application.

Abstract: Shopping cart brakes slow or render a shopping cart immobile. A brake lever has one end pivotably connected to a clamp that is attached to one end of a vertical member of a shopping cart adjacent to its handle. Two brake cables are enclosed by brake cable housings and have one end connected to the brake lever. A plurality of brake cable supports secures the brake cable housings to the vertical member. Alternatively, the brake cables and brake cable housings can be enclosed by vertical members and a horizontal member. The opposing end of the brake cables is attached to calipers. The calipers have brake pads removably connected to them. A brake lever housing is also connected to the clamp. The brake lever housing is attached to an adjuster barrel and houses a brake lever locking mechanism comprising a locking tab, locking button, slot, and locking button hole.

Abstract: A bike brake clamp to provide safe and effective braking including a first brake arm, a second brake arm, a joint plate, and a pilot plate adapted with spring, central screw, cable screw, and pivot screw; both brake arms providing synchronous clamping via the pilot plate to correct the application of brake force on single side of the rim; a moment (longer than that of the prior art) between an adjustment screw at the point where brake force is applied and the central screw at the support being used to achieve better mechanical benefits.

Abstract: A parked camper stabilizer comprises a tensioning mechanism, a fixed wheel engagement member fixed to the tensioning mechanism, and an adjustable wheel engagement member adjustably attached to the tensioning mechanism. The fixed wheel engagement member includes two or more straps, each with a hook for attaching to a trailer wheel. The adjustable wheel engagement member includes one or more straps, each with a hook for attaching to a trailer wheel.

Abstract: A self-energized disk brake assembly includes gain stabilization features for controlling the multiplication of applied force against a rotatable brake member. The brake assembly includes a first brake pad supported about a first pivot and a second brake pad supported about a second pivot. An actuator applies a force to drive the brake pads into the rotatable brake member. Frictional force between the brake pads and the rotatable brake member pulls the brake pads into further engagement generating an increase in braking force from self-energization. A position of the first and second pivots is adjustable to control the amount of braking force generated from self-energization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic vehicle brake system (10), having a hydraulic pump (12) and a high-pressure hydraulic reservoir (22) for external-force braking, as well as a conventional master cylinder (28), which serves as a set-point brake force transducer for the external-force braking and serves the purpose of muscle-powered secondary braking if the external-force service brake system fails. To embody the vehicle brake system (19) with an active pedal travel simulator, the invention proposes connecting the master cylinder (28) to a low-pressure hydraulic reservoir (26) via a disconnecting valve (30) and to the high-pressure hydraulic reservoir (22) via a return valve (32).

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 caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining a wheelchair in a transit vehicle utilizes a fixed bumper that is adapted to engage the rear portion of a wheelchair wheel in which a movable restraining bumber is adapted to hold the wheelchair wheel in compression between the fixed and movable restraining bumpers. The movable restraining bumper is adapted to move toward and away from the wheelchair and to rotate out of the way when the wheelchair restraint is not in use. A passenger barrier is also adapted to move toward and away from the wheelchair and rotate out of the way when the wheelchair restraint is not in use.

Abstract: A fixture attached to the floor of a vehicle for restraining and securely holding a wheelchair and its occupant while the vehicle is in motion. The fixture comprises a framework to which is secured upper and lower clamping jaws which act to grip the propulsion wheels of the wheelchair and which are actuated by a manually controlled air cylinder or equivalent vacuum or hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.