Abstract: The rotary paddle latch of the present invention has a latched position, an intermediate safety position and an unlatched position and includes an assembly for locking the external rotary paddle while permitting an optional internal handle to override the lock to move the latch to its unlatched position. The rotary paddle latch assembly includes a pivotally mounted latch bar pivotally actuated by the external rotary paddle, a spring biased, pivotally mounted tripping pawl selectively pivotally actuated by the latch bar or by the optional internal handle, a pivotally mounted stepped cam having an abutment surface engaged by said tripping pawl, and a spring biased, pivotally mounted latch plate having a throat therein for receiving a striker bar. The latch plate includes a cam follower riding along the stepped cam when the tripping pawl is moved to allow pivotal movement of the latch plate between the three latch positions.

Abstract: Kinetic energy incident to the trip release and consequent rapid spinning and unwinding of rotating members in a chain operated railway car hand brake mechanism is substantially dissipated by energy absorbing means which frictionally engage the rapidly rotating members. The frictional engagement slows down the rotation of the members thus decreasing the shock to the members as they are rapidly stopped when the mechanism reaches full release. The rotation stoppage of the members is necessary to prevent the mechanism from winding in the wrong direction and thereby damaging the hand brake mechanism and brake components at opposite ends of the chain.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a multiple latch assembly particularly suited for use in contoured vehicle doors. The disclosed assembly includes a plurality of latch members each having an outwardly biased latch pin. Operatively connected to all of the latch pins is a common operating assembly including a case defining a cavity and a handle pivotally mounted between the sides of the cavity. A slide member is carried on the case and interconnects with the handle so that oscillation of the handle produces reciprocation of the slide member. Lengths of flexible actuating cable are connected between the slide member and each of the latch pins. Each length of cable is arranged so that movement of the slide member in one direction will produce simultaneous inward movement of all latch pins.