A torque transfer apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus (60) comprises a plurality of elements (62) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines a first engagement surface. A structure (56) defining a second engagement surface is rotatable with respect to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and movement between the collapsed condition and the expanded condition engages or disengages the first and second engagement surfaces. The apparatus can be configured to transfer a driving torque (e.g. a clutch) or a braking force (e.g. a torque brake).

A torque transfer apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus (60) comprises a plurality of elements (62) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines a first engagement surface. A structure (56) defining a second engagement surface is rotatable with respect to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and movement between the collapsed condition and the expanded condition engages or disengages the first and second engagement surfaces. The apparatus can be configured to transfer a driving torque (e.g. a clutch) or a braking force (e.g. a torque brake).

A driving device includes a frame, a screw-nut system comprising a threaded rod and a first nut helicoidally connected to the threaded rod, the threaded rod being connected to the frame by a pivot connection that allows the threaded rod to rotate with respect to the frame about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, a first position sensor making it possible to detect a limit position of the first nut along the longitudinal axis, the first position sensor comprising a first part and a second part, the first position sensor being sensitive to a variation in a distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the axis, the first part being fixed to the first nut and the second part being connected to the threaded rod without passing via the pivot connection and in such a way that rotation of the threaded rod about the longitudinal axis leads to a variation in the distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the longitudinal axis.

The invention relates to a bearing assembly (10) comprising at least one first bearing element (12) and a second bearing element (14) which are rotatably connected relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis (14). The bearing assembly (10) comprises a brake device (18) which inhibits the rotation of the two bearing elements (12) relative to each other by means of a frictional force produced by the brake device (18), wherein the brake device (18) has at least one frictional element (20) and at least one clamping device (22), by means of which the frictional element (20) is permanently clamped against one of the two bearing elements (12). The bearing assembly also comprises a coupling device (30) which can be moved between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the brake device (18) is engaged, whereby when the two bearing elements (12) rotate relative to each other, the rotation is inhibited by the frictional force produced by the brake device (18), and in the open state, the brake device (18) is disengaged.

A work apparatus having a work tool and having a combustion engine which drives the work tool has a start enrichment device for the combustion engine and a braking arrangement for the work tool. The work apparatus has an operating mode selector for actuating the start enrichment device. The start enrichment device actuates the braking arrangement in at least one start position. Low actuating forces and a simple configuration are achieved when the braking arrangement is a differential band brake.

A work apparatus having a work tool and having a combustion engine which drives the work tool has a start enrichment device for the combustion engine and a braking arrangement for the work tool. The work apparatus has an operating mode selector for actuating the start enrichment device. The start enrichment device actuates the braking arrangement in at least one start position. Low actuating forces and a simple configuration are achieved when the braking arrangement is a differential band brake.

Implementations relate to a brake mechanism for a spherical wheel. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel and a base coupled to the spherical wheel via a rotary bearing contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing is configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes a brake ring coupled to the base and configured to selectively engage and disengage the surface of the spherical wheel, where the brake ring provides friction opposing rotation of the spherical wheel when engaged.

Implementations relate to a brake mechanism for a spherical wheel. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel and a base coupled to the spherical wheel via a rotary bearing contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing is configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes a brake ring coupled to the base and configured to selectively engage and disengage the surface of the spherical wheel, where the brake ring provides friction opposing rotation of the spherical wheel when engaged.

Disclosed is a clearance control swash plate device for a transmission or reducer and a single-shaft two-speed drive system, including the clearance control swash plate device, with a friction clutch. The clearance control swash plate device includes: an action plate mounted on a power transfer shaft; a first thrust bearing disposed on the action plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the action plate, from being transferred; a first clearance swash plate disposed on the first thrust bearing; a second clearance swash plate disposed on the first clearance swash plate; a worm engaged with a worm gear formed on the outer circumference of the second clearance swash plate; a second thrust bearing disposed on the second clearance swash plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the second clearance swash plate, from being transferred; and a thrust washer disposed on the second thrust bearing.

An adjustable friction brake assembly may adjust a variable amount of frictional force required to translate or rotate a shaft, rather than merely locking or unlocking the shaft. The brake assembly includes a housing for internally receiving the shaft, the external portion of the housing including external threading leading into circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially and oriented radially inward to engage the shaft. The brake assembly includes a rotatable adjuster having an internally threaded throughbore for engaging the housing and directing the fingers radially inward to engage the shaft, thereby increasing the required frictional force. For example, by rotating the adjuster clockwise, the required force can be increased; similarly, by rotating the adjuster counterclockwise, the required force can be decreased.