Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system comprises a flexible elastomeric member directly and sealably attached to a mounting member employed for attaching the brake actuator assembly to the rigid structure of a braking system and to a push rod member connected to the control linkage. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the brake actuator assembly of the invention.

Abstract: A plate for a compressible elastomeric spring is formed from a predetermined material and has each of a first substantially flat surface, an opposed second substantially flat surface, a predetermined thickness and a predetermined shape. Prongs are provided on at least one surface of the plate and extend outwardly at a predetermined angle relative thereto for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end an abutting elastomeric pad. Prongs may have trapezoidal shape. An axial aperture may be also provided with the prongs located on or in close proximity to a peripheral edge of the apertures. Prongs may be also provided on the opposed surface of the plate for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end of another abutting elastomeric pad. Annular ring-like projections are also provided for mechanically interlocking the plate to at least one elastomeric pad.

Abstract: An apparatus to enable the automatic release of a railway vehicle hand brake system from either side of the vehicle comprises a source of fluid pressure engageable with the vehicle. A release cylinder, operable by fluid pressure, is connected to a hand brake mechanism. A valve is connected intermediate the source of fluid pressure and the release cylinder causing the release cylinder to release the hand brake system. A first valve actuator is disposed on a first side of the vehicle and is connected intermediate the valve and the source of fluid pressure. A second valve actuator is disposed on an opposed second side of the vehicle and is connected intermediate the valve and the source of fluid pressure. Both the first and second valve actuators cause the valve to initiate communication of fluid pressure from the source of fluid pressure to the release cylinder.

Abstract: A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning both buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of a railway vehicle includes a housing member closed at one end and open at an opposed end, the housing member having a rear portion adjacent the closed end and a front portion adjacent the open end. At least one compressible elastomeric spring is positioned within the rear portion and has a rear end thereof abutting at least a portion of an inner surface of the closed end. A friction clutch mechanism is also provided in abutting engagement with each of the front end of the compressible elastomeric spring and the coupler shank. The housing member may be provided with a pair of ledge portions disposed intermediate its ends and attachment members disposed on the open end for attaching the housing member directly to the coupler shank.

Abstract: A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting electrical energy to a signal suitable for driving a light element in an End of Train device in a model train track arrangement. The apparatus includes an EOT device engageable with a model railway vehicle that can be easily installed and removed for relocation between model railway vehicles. A control system for such EOT device. At least a portion of an electronic circuit is disposed at least one of on a truck of such model railway vehicle and a body portion of the EOT device for power conversion and light signal timing and at least one light element is disposed at least one of in and on such EOT device and connected to receive a signal from the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a brake hose including a glad hand secured to one end thereof. The brake hose to be lifted into an elevated position is attached to an end of a railway car. Such apparatus further maintains the brake hose in such elevated position during in track service. Such apparatus includes a first member engageable with a predetermined portion of such railway car and a second member engageable with one of such glad hand and such brake hose. There is at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member disposed between and engageable with such first and second member. Additionally, a supply line having a choke is disposed in fluid communication with such at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member and a source of fluid pressure for expanding the expansion member in a longitudinal direction and thereby raise such brake hoses to a predetermined elevated position.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a brake hose including a glad hand secured to one end thereof. The brake hose to be lifted into an elevated position is attached to an end of a railway car. Such apparatus further maintains the brake hose in such elevated position during in track service. Such apparatus includes a first member engageable with a predetermined portion of such railway car and a second member engageable with one of such glad hand and such brake hose. There is at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member disposed between and engageable with such first and second member. Additionally, a supply line having a choke is disposed in fluid communication with such at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member and a source of fluid pressure for expanding the expansion member in a longitudinal direction and thereby raise such brake hoses to a predetermined elevated position.

Abstract: A compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy includes a plurality of elastomeric pads disposed coaxially and in series with each other and a plurality of separator plates, with each plate being disposed between a pair of the adjacent pads. A plurality of first prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a first surface of each separator plate for attaching the plate to one pad and a plurality of second prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a second surface for attaching the plate to an opposed pad. An axial aperture is also formed through each plate with prongs positioned in an alternating manner on a peripheral edge of the axial aperture. Projections may be also provided on each surface of the plate and adapted with an axial aperture that continues through the plate for additional attachment of the plate to the pair of pads.

Abstract: A plate for a compressible elastomeric spring is formed from a predetermined material and has each of a first substantially flat surface, an opposed second substantially flat surface, a predetermined thickness and a predetermined shape. Prongs are provided on at least one surface of the plate and extend outwardly at a predetermined angle relative thereto for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end an abutting elastomeric pad. Prongs may have trapezoidal shape. An axial aperture may be also provided with the prongs located on or in close proximity to a peripheral edge of the apertures. Prongs may be also provided on the opposed surface of the plate for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end of another abutting elastomeric pad. Annular ring-like projections are also provided for mechanically interlocking the plate to at least one elastomeric pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a brake hose including a glad hand secured to one end thereof. The brake hose to be lifted into an elevated position is attached to an end of a railway car. Such apparatus further maintains the brake hose in such elevated position during in track service. Such apparatus includes a first member engageable with a predetermined portion of such railway car and a second member engageable with one of such glad hand and such brake hose. There is at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member disposed between and engageable with such first and second member. Additionally, a supply line having a choke is disposed in fluid communication with such at least one fluid pressure actuated expansion member and a source of fluid pressure for expanding the expansion member in a longitudinal direction and thereby raise such brake hoses to a predetermined elevated position.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of the railway vehicle during make-up of a train consist and in-track operation of such train consist includes a resilient cushioning member and a friction mechanism both axially mounted within the yoke with the friction mechanism positioned between the front end of the resilient cushioning member and the front coupler follower. A pair of the resilient cushioning members with the friction mechanism mounted therebetween may also be provided.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.

Abstract: A compressible resilient elastomeric pad includes a body defining a central axis, the body formed from a predetermined material and having each of a peripheral side surface, a first axial end and a second axial end, each of the first and second axial ends having a flat surface thereof disposed normal to such central axis. A first raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the first axial end and a second raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the second axial end. A first groove is formed in the flat surface of the first axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the first projection and a second groove is formed in the flat surface of the second axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the second projection.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly which is mountable within a yoke of the railway vehicle for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces encountered during make-up and operation of a railway vehicle includes a compressible spring positioned intermediate the front coupler follower and the rear follower in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the yoke. A pair of axially aligned compressible springs may be also provided being either separated by a center plate or by a wall of the yoke.