Abstract: This invention relates to an activation apparatus for valves, specifically electromagnetically-activated multiway valves. The activation apparatus exhibits an activation element having a first stop and a second stop, which are arranged in facing-relation to one another, and to a housing projection formed by a graduated opening leading into the valve, so that a movement of the activation element, in the direction of its longitudinal axis, is limited or prevented. On the circumference of the activation element, there is a sealing element which is in sealed contact against the wall of the housing recess or graduated opening, which holds the activation element. The two stops and the sealing element are permanently connected with the activation element so as to form essentially a single-body construction.

Abstract: A pilot-controlled solenoid valve apparatus includes a valve housing having an entrance chamber, an exit chamber, and a discharge chamber formed therein. An inlet valve controls fluid pressure flow from the entrance chamber to the exit chamber while an outlet valve controls fluid pressure flow from an exit chamber to the discharge chamber which exhausts to atmosphere. The inlet and outlet valves each include respective membrane diaphragms which have control chambers disposed on one side; which control chambers are pressurized by means of respective inlet and outlet control valves. Disposed on each of the membrane diaphragms are annular symmetric bodies which each have a longitudinal bore formed therein to allow communication between the respective control chambers and the exit and discharge chambers when the respective control valves are opened. An inlet and an outlet solenoid valve arrangement controls operation of the respective inlet and outlet control valves.

Abstract: A longitudinally-slotted pressure cylinder, closed on both ends, has a longitudinal slot formed along a substantial portion of the length of the housing, and a piston which is movable within a chamber formed in the housing. A driver member is eccentrically attached to the piston, the driver member having an outer portion extending outward from the slot and an inner portion which is formed substantially to the contour of the inner chamber wall. The driver member attaches to the piston at a point distant from the longitudinal slot. A flexible sealing arrangement is disposed along the longitudinal slot such that, fluid pressure used to move the piston cannot escape through the longitudinal slot as the piston and driver member travel along the slot.

Abstract: A disk brake actuator having a hydraulic slack-adjusting arrangement for maintaining a positive clearance between a brake shoe and a brake disk, includes a cylinder housing having disposed therein a brake-applying spring section, a hydraulic-operated release section, and an actuator piston spindle arrangement operably-connected to the spring section by way of a clutch arrangement. A flange, formed on the actuator piston, acts as a plunger during a brake application and draws a first amount of hydraulic fluid into a first storage area, such first amount corresponding in volumn to the clearance between the brake disk and brake shoe when a nonworn brake shoe is first used. Upon release of the brake, the actuator piston forces the hydraulic fluid back into a second storage area wherein is included a shuttle member movable with a shuttle chamber. Additional hydraulic fluid is drawn from a reservoir when actuator piston movement, beyond the original clearance value, occurs as a result of brake shoe wear.

Abstract: A component control arrangement for transit-type vehicles having a distributed plurality of vehicle components to be monitored and controlled, includes a number of function control modules, each being associated with a specific vehicle function; as for example, wheel-skid, climate-control, and verification systems. The function control modules, each communicate in a multiplex arrangement over a shared data bus and a transceiver arrangement, with a distribution unit. The distribution units have an output configuration allowing connection to a variety of vehicle operating devices including lamps, switches, solenoid valves, and electric motors. The function control modules evaluate status indications originating from the vehicle operating devices and transmitted through the distribution units and a transceiver arrangement.

Abstract: A fluid controlled rotary shaft speed limiting arrangement has a brake disk secured to the shaft for rotational movement therewith. A braking arrangement exerts a braking force on the brake disk according to the amount of fluid pressure present in a brake piston chamber. The flow of pressurized fluid into and the flow of pressurized fluid out of the brake piston chamber is controlled by a valve arrangement, a portion of which is formed on the brake disk. The portion of the valve arrangement formed on the brake disk effects a change in the flow of pressurized fluid through the brake piston chamber if the rotational velocity of the shaft and brake disk varies from a preselected value. Such variation in the rotational velocity corresponds to such change in pressurized fluid flow such that, a proportional braking force is exerted on the brake disk.

Abstract: A variable point position determining arrangement includes a housing having a stationary portion secured to a fixed member as, for example working cylinder, and an extendable portion secured to a member movable in relation to the fixed member, as for example piston rod. An elastic element, such as a tension spring, is connected between the stationary portion and an extendable portion of the housing. Such elastic element is stretched or relaxed an amount proportionate to the travel of the movable member. The displacement transducer having an actuator rod and a projecting pin connected to the elastic element at approximately a middle point, follows movement of the elastic element and outputs a distance signal which is a function of the movement of the actuator rod and elastic element. The distance signal can be fed to a control circuit to derive the position value of the movable member therefrom.

Abstract: A manually releasable, spring-applied, air-released parking brake device has a hollow guide rod and a non-rotatable spindle connectable to the brake rigging extending through a portion of a cylindrical housing. On one end of the guide rod is secured a portion of a clutch arrangement, and on the opposite end is secured a spline member having a plurality of externally disposed spline grooves. A latching member having an extending surface engages the spline grooves of the spline member, thus preventing rotational movement of the spline member, guide rod, and clutch portion. A release lever, connected to the latching member, allows for engaging and disengaging the latching member and spline member. When the latching member has been disengaged from the spline member, as corresponds to a manual release of the parking brake device, a retractable blocking member is urged against the end surface of the spline member.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve having a force-feedback arrangement for indicating the fluid delivery, has a force cam rotatable along with an actuator member, shaft arrangement which controls the fluid delivery. At least one cam slot is formed in the force cam at an angle to the axis of the force cam. An annular ring is fixed within the valve housing in a coaxially surrounding relation to the force cam. At least one guide slot is formed on the annular ring parallel to the axis of the annular ring and adjacent the cam slot formed on the force cam. A follower pin extends between the adjacent cam and guide slots and is axially movable under the influence of a cam force exerted upon rotation of the force cam. A feedback piston is movable within a piston chamber located adjacent the force cam. The feedback piston contacts the follower pin which is a function of the delivered fluid value. The piston force is exerted in a direction opposite movement of the follower pin resulting from rotation of the force cam.

Abstract: A parking brake, primarily for use with railway vehicles, including a friction clutch associated with a fast-travel nut which is locked by the clutch against rotation on a threaded spindle connected to a brake head, under a force exerted by a plurality of stacked Belleville-type disc springs. The spring load may be overcome by air pressure acting on respective faces of a plurality of serially connected pistons, which, in effect releases the fast-travel nut for free spinning to thereby accommodate axial displacement of the spindle during normal service application and release of the brakes.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulating valve includes a diaphragm piston reciprocally movable within a valve housing, whereby undesirable diaphragm piston flutter is effectively dampened by use of a dampening member. The diaphragm piston separates a control chamber from an outlet chamber which is in communication with a fluid pressure receiving device. A selectively controllable solenoid valve controls the fluid pressure level in the control chamber. Differences in fluid pressure levels across the diaphragm piston result in the reciprocal movement, thereby, such movement being preconditioned to occur as a function of the fluid pressure level in the control chamber. An inlet valve and an outlet valve each communicate with the outlet chamber and are operated according to the position of the diaphragm piston. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet valves are connected by a connecting rod such that their operation is mutually dependent.

Abstract: A brake control arrangement for use with a multiple disk brake system having a plurality of disk brake actuators which exert a braking force in relation to the fluid pressure presented to a service braking portion contained therein. A handle valve is operable over a range of travel for delivering a braking fluid pressure to be directed to a first input of one of a purality of shuttle valves. This braking fluid pressure, however, is first directed through one of a plurality of flow paths selected by a selector valve arrangement. The selector valve arrangement can be sequenced to direct the initial braking fluid pressure through a different one of the plurality of flow paths upon receiving a sequencing count signal transmitted from a counter valve arrangement. A pilot operated relay valve has a pilot portion which receives the braking fluid pressure and opens the relay valve when the braking fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A force transmitting fluid actuator for use with a control device wherein an actuator member, movable within an actuator housing, actuates the control device due to the urging force of a plurality of pistons which can be selectively pressurized in unitary increments. The plurality of pistons are disposed within pressure chambers formed in the actuator housing in a symmetrical ring-shaped arrangement concentric to a single pressure chamber disposed on the vertical axis of the housing. A number of passageways interconnect the plurality of pressure chambers to form groupings of pressure chambers which act simultaneously in response to operation of a solenoid valve associated with each passageway. In addition to the symmetrical arrangement of the pressure chambers, the valve and passageway arrangement provide for a symmetric pressurization of the pressure chambers thereby resulting in a balanced force being exerted on the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having a locking device disposed in either, or both head ends which attach to the cylinder, has a piston reciprocally movable within a piston chamber formed in the cylinder. A stud member having a groove portion and a stud portion, secures to the piston for reciprocal movement therewith. The stud member axially moves within a stud bore formed in the head end such that, the stud bore acts as a variable volume stud chamber. A plunger member, disposed in the head end, is in fluid communication with the variable volume stud bore such that, movement of the stud member into the stud bore increases the fluid pressure, thus forcing the plunger out of contact with the stud portion of the stud member. When a predetermined pressure occurs, an outlet valve to the stud bore opens, reducing the fluid pressure and allowing the plunger to be urged into engagement with the groove portion of the stud member thus effecting a locked condition.

Abstract: A fluid pressure switch includes a housing with a cylindrical bore, a spring housing bore and a guide bore between the cylindrical bore and the spring housing bore. A shaft member axially disposed in the housing between the bore, has a piston element secured on the end within the cylindrical bore for movement in one direction or another upon a differential between fluid pressure sources as presented to the two opposing surfaces of the piston element. A spring-biasing arrangement is secured to the shaft member on the end within the spring housing bore for opposing movement of the shaft member. The spring-biasing arrangement is adjustable both as to the spring force and as to the spring stop setting. A switch operator member secured to the piston member, spreads contact arms apart upon a predetermined displacement of the piston. The switch operator member has an elliptically-shaped eccentric portion which can be rotated to adjust the point of shaft displacement at which switch operation occurs.

Abstract: An electropneumatic door valve for use with pneumatic door operations as are used on mass transit vehicles. The single valve housing arrangement provides either a through passageway or a throttled passageway for pressurizing the opening or closing chamber of a pneumatic door drive unit. Provisions are also made to allow automatic reversal should the door become wedged, and to allow manual override should that operation be desired. Electrical pulses initiated by the vehicle operator trigger one of two solenoid valves which direct one of two operating pistons into a position to dictate which passageway will be established. Three vent passageways are provided to exhaust compressed air from any of the chambers which had been charged during a previous door operation.

Abstract: A manually operable quick-release mechanism for use with a spring-loaded brake cylinder including an energy-storing piston operable by fluid pressure to a brake release position with a ball type clutch for locking said piston and a piston rod in said brake release position, and a manually rotatable member effective, when angularly displaced, for releasing the ball clutch and the piston and allowing the piston and piston rod to move to a brake-applying position.