Robert M Mcmillan

US Patent:

45082855, Apr 2, 1985

Filed:

Jan 7, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/337870

Inventors:

Robert E. McMillan - Montclair NJ

International Classification:

B65H 5902

US Classification:

242 99

Abstract:

A cable or other linear length of flexible material, such as high strength wire, is initially wound on a reel, and is unwound by the application of a force, typically a movable object moving downwards through the air under the influence of gravity. The motion of the cable in unwinding from the reel is effectively braked, or slowed, by providing a cable brake system or systems which generate resistance to the unwinding of the cable. One system entails the provision of frictional control means consisting of a soft, tough, material matrix disposed about the reel, so that the cable is imbedded in the matrix. Payout of the cable, as the reel revolves, requires the cable to be torn out of the matrix. The other system entails immersing the reel, and associated cable wound on the reel, in a viscous fluid, so that the unwinding of the cable from the reel causes the reel to turn about its axis in the viscous fluid, thereby producing resistance to motion and a braking action.

US Patent:

43175074, Mar 2, 1982

Filed:

Mar 11, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/129230

Inventors:

Robert E. McMillan - Montclair NJ

International Classification:

B60T 114

US Classification:

188 5

Abstract:

An emergency braking system is operably associated with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The system comprises an anchor device releasably carried by the vehicle for adherence to the road surface. An activation device in the vehicle releases the anchor device from the vehicle. Cable apparatus joins the anchor device to the vehicle for braking the movement of the vehicle when the anchor device is adhered to the road surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a vacuum housing device which acts as an anchor. This embodiment provides a vacuum housing structure which adheres to the road surface by means of a vacuum. A second embodiment employes an explosively driven stud, spike or bolt anchor device for imbedding a stud, spike or bolt anchor into the road surface. A third embodiment discloses a spike which is driven into the road surface by the weight of the vehicle.