Gregory Arlin Kangiser
Engineers in Colorado Springs, CO

6446769, Sep 10, 2002

Oct 2, 2000

09/678059

Gregory A. Kangiser - Colorado Springs CO 80919
Patrick J. Moreland - Colorado Springs CO 80907

B65H 5910

188171, 188 722, 188 67

The invention relates to braking apparatus for a linear motor driven load, where the motor comprises a source of electrical energy, a bed having a braking surface, and a load carrying member operably interconnected to the bed for relative movement with respect thereto. The braking apparatus comprises, a brake arm pivotally mounted at its proximal end to the load carrying member. A frictional braking pad is disposed on the distal end of the brake arm in opposing relation to the braking surface on the linear motors bed. A biasing apparatus, such as a spring, is in contact with the brake arm for pivoting the brake arm with respect to the load carrying member and placing the brake pad of the brake arm in contact with the braking surface on the bed of the linear motor. An electrically responsive solenoid is coupled to the source of electrical energy for overcoming the biasing apparatus during times when electrical power is being supplied to the linear motor.