A constant-torque brake for use in bicycle and other ergometers.

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Abstract
The stability of man-ergo-meter combination, on the basis of the ergometer brake characteristics, is discussed, and a constant-torque brake is shown to be advantageous. The analysis of a coulomb friction-type brake, differing markedly from the more conventional Prony brake, is presented. The brake is capable of maintaining a constant-torque load (within [plus or minus] 0.5%) over a wide range of speeds, and is relatively insensitive to large changes in the coefficient of friction between the brake material and the material against which it rubs. Oscillations of the member carrying the brake material have negligible influence on the accuracy of the brake. A prototype brake was built and used successfully to absorb powers from 0.02 to 2.0 hp.

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