Braking systems for aircraft are disclosed. An example braking system includes a brake pad movably coupled to a lower section of a fuselage of the aircraft. The brake pad is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuator is configured to deploy the brake pad from the fuselage during an emergency braking event. The brake pad to engage a surface of a runway and increase frictional force to reduce a speed of the aircraft during the emergency braking event.

Soft-tipped pole designs and methods for their use on pavement are disclosed. The soft, gripping pole tip can slow down a roller skier or skateboarder by slowing down the rider directly and by providing increased rider stability during breaking. This is accomplished by the rider pressing one or two pole tips against the pavement, with or without the use of a fulcrum point for increased leverage. The soft rubberlike tip has a large surface area that provides durability as well as variable levels of frictional force imparted against the pavement. The fulcrum for the pole can be the user's arm or leg as well as fulcrum element fastened to the rolling device.

Soft-tipped pole designs and methods for their use on pavement are disclosed. The soft, gripping pole tip can slow down a roller skier or skateboarder by slowing down the rider directly and by providing increased rider stability during breaking. This is accomplished by the rider pressing one or two pole tips against the pavement, with or without the use of a fulcrum point for increased leverage. The soft rubberlike tip has a large surface area that provides durability as well as variable levels of frictional force imparted against the pavement. The fulcrum for the pole can be the user's arm or leg as well as fulcrum element fastened to the rolling device.

Devices, systems, and methods are described that provide an braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system extends a friction device from beneath the vehicle to contact the driving surface. Orientation of the friction device and forces applied to the braking device can be adjusted during the braking procedure. In some braking devices forces generated during braking are directed to a load bearing arm and supporting frame, thereby minimizing damage to actuating devices. The friction device can be retracted after use, permitting normal vehicle operation.

Devices, systems, and methods are described that provide an braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system extends a friction device from beneath the vehicle to contact the driving surface. Orientation of the friction device and forces applied to the braking device can be adjusted during the braking procedure. In some braking devices forces generated during braking are directed to a load bearing arm and supporting frame, thereby minimizing damage to actuating devices. The friction device can be retracted after use, permitting normal vehicle operation.

A footwear system can employ a brake and/or a clutch, such as a one-way clutch, to convert human motion into usable electricity. The brake and one-way clutch can be used together, such as on opposite ends of a spring. During a storage phase, the brake can be engaged and the one-way clutch disengaged so the spring stores an energy. After the storage phase, the brake can be removed to initiate the release phase since the brake is not stopping the spring, but the one-way clutch allows the stored energy to be released.

A jet-powered sled has a body having a control cockpit with control apparatus for an operator to control the jet sled, a set of surface runners adapted to engage a surface upon which the sled is operated, the surface runners removably engaged to spindles coupled to swing arms coupled to the jet sled, and an engine compartment having a jet engine removably mounted in a manner to direct thrust to a rear of the jet sled to propel the jet sled. The jet sled is characterized in that the sled may be adapted specifically to run on water, ice, or snow by installing runners adapted for water, ice, or snow on the spindles of the swing arms.

A braking system includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to the actuator and the frame, an arm coupled to the rotating joint, a brake pad having a connector, the connector pivotably coupled to the arm, and a torsion spring positioned at the connector to bias the brake pad relative to the arm.

A braking system includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to the actuator and the frame, an arm coupled to the rotating joint, a brake pad having a connector, the connector pivotably coupled to the arm, and a torsion spring positioned at the connector to bias the brake pad relative to the arm.

A retracting rail clamp for braking or anchoring a rail-mounted machine such as a crane by clamping opposite sides of a longitudinal rail member, the retracting rail clamp comprising: a load transfer frame rigidly secured to the crane, such as by bolting; and a clamp mechanism suspended within the load transfer frame by at least one lateral pair of pivotally mounted lift levers, and operable through a first and second stage of motion between a raised, brake release position, in which the entirety of the rail clamp is disposed substantially vertically clear of the rail, and a lowered, brake set position wherein at least one opposed facing pair of main levers of the clamp mechanism engage the side surfaces of the rail.