Abstract: An apparatus for a hand brake includes a gear assembly, an electric motor coupled to the gear assembly, one or more sensors configured to sense at least one of the released and set states, a controller coupled to the electric motor and to the one or more sensors, the controller is configured to operate the electric motor in accordance with a predetermined logic algorithm so as to move the chain between the released and set states, and a device being movable between a first position wherein the device engages only the hand wheel and wherein the hand wheel is used to move the chain between the released and set states and a second position wherein the device engages both the hand wheel and a gear in the gear assembly and wherein the electric motor is operable to move the chain between the released and set states.

Abstract: In combination with a railway car hand brake, there is an apparatus for sensing the hand brake release comprising a housing and a mounting mechanism for attaching the housing to a cover of such hand brake. An actuating mechanism is disposed in the housing. A sleeve member is disposed on the actuating mechanism and includes a flange. A flexible connecting mechanism engages the sleeve member and a winding gear portion of the hand brake. A sensing mechanism is disposed in the housing and aligned with the actuating mechanism. A securement mechanism is disposed on the sensing mechanism and mounted on the cover of the hand brake. A compression member is disposed in the housing and engages the flange of the sleeve member, whereby an electrical or magnetic signal will be received from the actuating mechanism by the sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A truck apparatus for a railway car includes a pair of wheel sets each having a pair of wheels joined by an axle. A frame is provided for carrying one end of a railway car body and a system positions the frame in a pendulum fashion from each axle end in order to independently decouple, from each other, vertical, lateral and longitudinal forces applied to the frame by the wheel sets during operation of the railway car.

Abstract: In combination with a railway freight car coupler. A coupler has a knuckle side, and includes a knuckle, knuckle pin, and an apparatus for automatically pivoting and maintaining the knuckle full open position. The improvement comprises a coiled torsion spring which is capable of continuously exerting a predetermined force. A sleeve in combination with a flange is secured to the bottom end of the knuckle pin for attaching the torsion spring onto the coupler head. A support member is attached to the knuckle and cages one arm of the torsion spring which exerts a continuous force on the knuckle to rotate and maintain the knuckle full open position. A compression spring may be employed in place of the torsion spring in combination with a locking mechanism which, rigidly secures the knuckle and knuckle pin therebetween to prevent independent movement.

Abstract: A rail car cushioning1 device is provided for connecting to a coupler. The rail car cushioning device includes an arrangement of a hydraulic cylinder, a piston assembly, and at least a valve assembly, which are configured with cooperating features to allow the device to be switchable between a locked mode and a cushioning mode.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting electric and air lines of railroad cars incident to their mechanical coupling. The connector includes a junction plate with an outer perimeter surrounded by a housing that has connector-to-connector gathering means and is resiliently attached to a bracket on the coupler body. Formed near to the geometric center of the junction plate is a hole retaining a gasket which seats against the end of an elongated tube mechanically secured to the junction plate and passing through a compression spring and the housing and its remote wall where the assembled length is controlled by the flange of an air line fitting contacting the housing. The automatic electric and air line capability supplements the automatic coupling capability within an increased gathering range.