In an elevator control apparatus, a DC-DC converter including a first switching element and a second switching element is configured to generate power for driving an elevator brake by alternately operating each of the first switching element and the second switching element. A first photocoupler and a second photocoupler are configured to independently operate the first switching element and the second switching element, respectively. A first calculation unit and a second calculation unit are configured to independently control power supply voltages of the first photocoupler and the second photocoupler, respectively.

In an elevator control apparatus, a DC-DC converter including a first switching element and a second switching element is configured to generate power for driving an elevator brake by alternately operating each of the first switching element and the second switching element. A first photocoupler and a second photocoupler are configured to independently operate the first switching element and the second switching element, respectively. A first calculation unit and a second calculation unit are configured to independently control power supply voltages of the first photocoupler and the second photocoupler, respectively.

The present invention provides a powered winch retrieval system for harvested big game that can be configured either as a small trailer attachable to a vehicle via a hitch, or as a cantilevered unit couplable to a standard vehicle receiver hitch. The winch incorporates a frame that supports an internal combustion engine having a centrifugal clutch or constant velocity transmission (CVT) mounted thereon, a jack shaft chain driven by the centrifugal clutch or CVT for speed reduction and torque amplification, an output shaft on which is mounted a cable take-up spool, a norm ally-on disc brake assembly mounted on the final output shaft, a combination brake release and throttle lever, and an optional oscillating level-wind assembly. The level-wind assembly, which incorporates a linear ball-bearing bushing, ensures that the cable used to retrieve harvested game winds evenly on the take-up spool.

The present invention provides a powered winch retrieval system for harvested big game that can be configured either as a small trailer attachable to a vehicle via a hitch, or as a cantilevered unit couplable to a standard vehicle receiver hitch. The winch incorporates a frame that supports an internal combustion engine having a centrifugal clutch or constant velocity transmission (CVT) mounted thereon, a jack shaft chain driven by the centrifugal clutch or CVT for speed reduction and torque amplification, an output shaft on which is mounted a cable take-up spool, a norm ally-on disc brake assembly mounted on the final output shaft, a combination brake release and throttle lever, and an optional oscillating level-wind assembly. The level-wind assembly, which incorporates a linear ball-bearing bushing, ensures that the cable used to retrieve harvested game winds evenly on the take-up spool.

A braking system may include a brake assembly having a brake shaft and a brake lever coupled to the brake shaft. The system may also include a brake cylinder having a first chamber, a second chamber, a piston positioned between the chambers and a piston rod extending outwardly from the piston. The piston rod may be configured to be coupled to the brake shaft such that movement of the piston rod results in rotation of the brake shaft. In addition, the system may include a first valve configured to control a supply of working fluid to the first chamber and a second valve configured to control a supply of the working fluid to the second chamber. By adjusting a position of the first valve and/or the second valve, a braking force applied between the brake assembly and a drum of the draw works may be controlled.

A braking system may include a brake assembly having a brake shaft and a brake lever coupled to the brake shaft. The system may also include a brake cylinder having a first chamber, a second chamber, a piston positioned between the chambers and a piston rod extending outwardly from the piston. The piston rod may be configured to be coupled to the brake shaft such that movement of the piston rod results in rotation of the brake shaft. In addition, the system may include a first valve configured to control a supply of working fluid to the first chamber and a second valve configured to control a supply of the working fluid to the second chamber. By adjusting a position of the first valve and/or the second valve, a braking force applied between the brake assembly and a drum of the draw works may be controlled.

Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

In a braking apparatus, a forcing device forces a movable portion in a direction that places a friction member in contact with a rotating body. A braking force releasing device displaces the movable portion in a direction in which the friction member separates from the rotating body in opposition to the forcing device. A buffering member is disposed between a fixed portion and the movable portion, and is made of a flexible material. A deforming device deforms the buffering member by pressing the buffering member in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the movable portion.

In a braking apparatus, a forcing device forces a movable portion in a direction that places a friction member in contact with a rotating body. A braking force releasing device displaces the movable portion in a direction in which the friction member separates from the rotating body in opposition to the forcing device. A buffering member is disposed between a fixed portion and the movable portion, and is made of a flexible material. A deforming device deforms the buffering member by pressing the buffering member in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the movable portion.