Abstract: A buffer for railway vehicles includes a plunger telescopically received within an outer cylinder. An internal speed control valve, essentially independently of the forces acting on the buffer, causes the buffer to move inwardly at a predetermined initial velocity which is reduced by a uniform deceleration of such a level that the main portion of the plunger stroke is always used. The initial velocity corresponds to the maximum speed allowed during shunting operations, plus a safety margin determined by experience. The buffer has a leakage slot between the plunger and the cylinder to allow fluid flow around a throttling valve when the throttling valve is closed. The area of the leakage slot is dependent on the pressure within the buffer and the position of the plunger relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: A brake or retarder for braking rolling railway cars preferably for shunting purposes incorporates an actuating member adapted to be given a movement by a passing railway car wheel, which movement via a speed-dependent coupling is transferred to a mechanical braking device when the speed of the movement exceeds a certain pre-set value.