Abstract: The present invention teaches a double-acting compression actuatable slack adjuster to adjust the slack in the brake rigging of a railway vehicle which includes a pair of elongated members movable with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction. One of the elongated members is hollow and the other member includes a threaded portion housed within the hollow member. A positioning device carrying a pair of opposed abutting surfaces is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the one member. A pair of opposite facing abutment surfaces are positioned within the hollow member. A first urging device is positioned to urge the positioning device into a disengaged position. A second urging device overcomes the force of the first urging device and urges an abutting surface on the positioning device into engagement with an adjacent abutment surface. An overtravel control device is provided which is activated by a trigger device.

Abstract: A hand brake including a lock-up and release clutch mechanism, a ratchet rotatable by a hand wheel connected thereto through a drive shaft, a nut screw-threadedly arranged on the shaft and effective, upon rotation of the wheel and shaft in one direction, for advancing on the nut on the shaft to cause the ratchet to be clamped between respective friction surfaces of the nut and friction plates carried on the shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes rotation of a pinion which, in turn, rotates a gear associated with a chain drum to effect chain take-up and, therefore, application of the brakes. A holding pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet in a release direction. Rotation of the hand wheel in an opposite direction effects release of the clutch mechanism and consequently relaxation of tension on the chain for effecting a gradual release of the brakes. Quick release of the brakes is effected by a lever which, by rotation, causes disengagement of the collar from the pinion.

Abstract: In a draft gear apparatus, the housing is strengthened to better withstand distortion by draft stress imposed by the yoke on the end of the housing. Strengthening is accomplished by increasing the thickness of the housing side walls at selected areas near the housing end and by widening and thickening portions of the ribs which partially define the main spring chamber.

Abstract: A ratchet operated chain-type hand brake for railway vehicles characterized by a housing for enclosing the ratchet mechanism and a chain wind-up drum. The ratchet mechanism includes an operating pawl for taking up the chain and a holding pawl for holding the chain take-up, both pawls being in constant engagement with a single ratchet to eliminate lost motion of the operating handle.

Abstract: A friction cushioning mechanism for draft gear of the combination type including a housing defining an inner or rear chamber in which is mounted a cushioning mechanism that may selectively be of the hydraulic or steel or rubber spring types, and an outer or front chamber in which is mounted a friction mechanism of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,916,163, in which the side edge lugs of the friction mechanism inner fixed friction plates, that key such plates to the housing against movement longitudinally of the housing, are specially formed to resist tendencies of such fixed plates to rock outwardly of the housing under laterally acting force concentrations applied to same during the early part of the draft gear closure stroke, and to avoid deformation of the housing ribs they engage that would introduce looseness in the fit of the friction mechanism parts and consequent reduction in useful life of the gear.