Linear motion brake

The present invention generally relates to motion control apparatus and in particular brakes, specifically relates to brakes for linear motion applications, and more specifically relates to linear motion brakes having special application to power-off situations. A brake () having particular application for a linear motion device () includes a channel () secured to the base plate () in which a body () secured to the sliding plate () partially extends. A tape seal () of the channel () extends through a slot () formed in the body () so that the calipers () moveably mounted to the body () are located within a hollow interior of the channel (). The calipers () include cylindrical carriers () slideably received in cross bores () in the body () and are biased to a disengaged position by a spring () sandwiched between a snap ring () in the cross bore () and the carrier (). A diametric groove () is formed on the inner axial end of the carrier () and slideably receives a side () of an actuator element () which extends in a non-axial direction. The actuator element () is moveably mounted in an axial through bore () by first and second supports () secured to the axial ends and including an elastomeric seal () to compliantly suspend the actuator element () in the through bore (). The actuator element () is moved in a first axial direction by a spring () and in the opposite axial direction by fluid pressure in a fluid chamber.