A reverse rotation prevention mechanism is provided on a torque transmission path between an output shaft and a driving shaft of a motor. The reverse rotation prevention mechanism includes: a first frictional force generation unit configured to inhibit a lock plate provided on the torque transmission path from rotating relative to another member when an external force is exerted on the output shaft; and a second frictional force generation unit configured to generate a braking force that prevents reverse rotation when an external force is exerted on the output shaft by causing a portion of the lock plate to be pressed. The first frictional force generation unit is provided in an area different from the second frictional force generation unit.

The description relates to devices that include hinged portions and controlling rotation of the hinged portions with smart clutch control. One example can include powering a motor to cause clutch portions to engage in a first instance. The example can also include monitoring an operational parameter during the powering. The method can further include, based at least in part upon the monitoring, adjusting power to cause the clutch portions to engage in a second instance with a force that is different than the first instance.

A safety brake device for a power tool includes a decoupling device, configured to decouple an output unit from a drive unit during a braking operation thereby reducing at least one of a rotational mass and rotational energy of the output unit, and a brake device with a first brake device part and a second brake device part. The first brake device part is arranged on the output unit so as to allow essentially no relative rotation, and the second brake device part is configured to allow essentially no relative rotation with respect to the power tool. The first brake device part and the second brake device part are configured to interact mechanically with one another during a braking operation to stop rotation of the output unit. The first brake device part of the brake device is embodied in one piece with the decoupling device.

A system and method for backdrivability control of end effectors in robotic systems are described. In one example, a robotic system includes a joint in a kinematic chain, an end effector at an end of the kinematic chain, and an assembly for backdrivability control of the joint. The assembly includes a frame comprising a flexure arm and a circular clearance area that extends around the joint, a brake band having one end secured along the circular clearance area and a second end secured at an end of the flexure arm, and a brake actuator configured to selectively pull the end of the flexure arm and tighten the brake band around the joint. The brake actuator can be actuated to tighten the brake band around the joint, arresting or dampening motion in the kinematic chain of the system for certain movements.

The zip line rail system can be connected to a challenge course, a zip line, a zip track system, or any combination thereof. The zip line rail system of the present invention can have two rails that a member slide's two wheels rollably engage with, and the zip line rail system can be configured in any of a variety of directions.

Described herein is a device comprising members in a kinematic relationship. The kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic flux interaction that, in effect, may provide a tunable resistance to movement, changing the rate of relative movement between the members. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first member in a kinematic relationship with at least one further member to form a system. The system moves within a limited range of motion and the system interacts when an external energizing force is imposed on the system causing the members to respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and thereby creating relative motion between the members. The trigger member is coupled to the at least the first member and moves in response to a pre-determined system movement. When the trigger member moves, the trigger member imposes a braking action on the system or a member or members thereof. The speed and/or intensity of the braking action imposed by the trigger member on the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by the trigger member rate of movement. This rate of movement is in turn governed by a magnetic flux interaction between the trigger member and the at least one first member causing formation of a magnetically induced eddy current force between the parts.

A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller. The fixed cylindrical body or capstan is surrounded by a vented sleeve to prevent the rope from becoming heated and to prevent the user from being injured.

Described herein is a system, method of use and Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) apparatus using a system that governs a dynamic response between members causing a halt in relative motion between the members. Magnetic interactions, eddy current drag forces and centrifugal and/or inertial forces may provide various mechanisms of governing movement.

Please substitute the new Abstract submitted herewith for the original Abstract: An electromechanical brake system has a brake actuator with a power transmission for transmitting an actuating force to a brake pad. The power transmission includes a rotatable shaft, a coupler with a locking element, wherein the coupler can be controlled so that the locking element is engaged with the rotatable shaft and blocks its rotation or so that the locking element is disengaged from the rotatable shaft so that the rotatable shaft can be rotated. The brake system has a first receptacle into which a first tool can be inserted so that it engages with the rotatable shaft and transmits a rotation on the rotatable shaft.

A friction-braking apparatus for a transportation system, having at least one caliper, at least one piston structured and arranged to move the at least one caliper; and at least one brake pad arranged on the at least one caliper. The at least one caliper is structured and arranged to selectively move the at least one brake pad into engagement with at least one rail of the transportation system.