Abstract: A railroad brake sensing apparatus particularly suitable for handbrake sensing has a sheave wheel/bellcrank bracket which is slotted to allow the wheel/crank axle to move from a first position when the chain is under tension and the brake is applied; to a second position when the chain is slack and the brake is off. A sensor is placed to detect when the wheel/crank is in the second position. The brake sensing apparatus is easily adapted to be used with other forms of brake actuating force and placed with other moving members of the brake rigging.

Abstract: On a railroad car handbrake system the main handbrake shaft, used to turn the chain, is utilized during its rotation to drive a target object to a magnetic sensor. The target object may be driven by cam plates, gears, screw mechanisms or the like and may be a magnetic or ferromagnetic object. The sensor system disclosed is rugged and easily adapted to existing handbrake systems.

Abstract: A machine for washing articles is provided with a turbidity sensor that is activated by an electromechanical timer. When activated, the turbidity sensor determines the magnitude of turbidity of water within the machine for washing articles and decides whether or not to inhibit a subsequent drain operation. If the turbidity of the water is sufficiently low, the drain operation is inhibited and the machine for washing articles is prevented from purging the existing water from its interior. This allows the relatively clean water to be reused at a savings of both water and energy.