| 摘要 |
A bidirectional force limiter for limiting the magnitude of a force applied along a line of action to a predetermined magnitude includes a slide assembly supported for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis by the spaced guide plates of a support structure. A yieldable force-bias element, such as a helical spring in compression, is constrained between the guide plates, and structure is provided for transmitting the applied force from the slide assembly to the biasing element to cause the slide assembly to displace and the biasing element to yield in response to the applied force. The force limiter is suitable for use, in a preferred mode, with cargo-container spreaders which are adapted to attach to and detach from cargo containers. The spreader carries a plurality of locks which are adapted to register with and engage complementary lock receiving structures on each container. A hydraulic actuator is linked to the locks through a rotatable shift to selectively actuate them between a locked position and an unlocked position to, respectively, attach the spreader to the container and detach the spreader from the container. The force limiter is connected between the hydraulic actuator and the spreader frame to limit the applied locking and unlocking forces to a predetermined, safe magnitude. The force limiter prevents excessively high hydraulic fluid pressure from damaging a jammed lock or over-riding safety devices designed to prevent unlocking when the spreader and attached cargo container are in a suspended position.
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