Abstract: A railway slipping block brake lock has a brake linkage arm connector configured to connect a brake linkage arm to a draw rod. A draw rod is connected to the brake linkage arm connector. The draw rod has a draw rod engaged position corresponding to a railway brake engaged position, and the draw rod has a draw rod disengaged position corresponding to a railway brake disengaged position. A slipping block is mounted around the draw rod. The slipping block has a wedge shaped profile that fits to a wedge-shaped opening of a retaining frame. The retaining frame has a retaining frame wedge-shaped inside profile to receive the slipping block. The slipping block releases the draw rod and disengages from the retaining frame when the draw rod moves toward an engaged position.

Abstract: A control cable positioning, retaining and adjusting system, for mounting a sheathed cable assembly to a frame member, comprises a cable assembly housing having an axially extending, toothed region extending along at least a part of its length, a mounting bracket configured to supportingly receive the cable assembly housing and having an adjustment window to display the toothed region there-through. A cable assembly adjusting lever is mounted to the cable assembly receiver and has a first end comprising an actuator, a second end having a locking tooth extending therefrom and a mid-portion mounted to the cable assembly receiver such that the lever is pivotable thereabout, wherein the cable assembly adjusting lever is positioned such that the locking tooth engages the axially extending, toothed region of the cable assembly housing through the adjustment window or opening.

Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a first coupling member coupled to one end part of one of a pair of link arms, a second coupling member coupled to the one end part of the other of the pair of link arms to freely advance and retract with respect to the first coupling member, an actuator configured to advance and retract an output member, a lever rotatably coupled to the output member and configured to be rotated by advancing and retracting movements of the output member and a booster unit configured to advance and retract the second coupling member with respect to the first coupling member by boosting a force transmitted by the rotation of the lever.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided herein for recording operation history of a remotely controlled vehicle. The recorded operation history may comprise outgoing operation commands sent from a remote controller of a remotely controlled vehicle, as well as incoming operation commands received by the remotely controlled vehicle. The recorded operation history may further comprise vehicle status data, such as data related to an operation process of the remotely controlled vehicle. The recorded operation history of a vehicle may be used to analyze a behavior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a coupling member configured to couple one end parts of a pair of link arms, an actuator mounted on the coupling member and configured to advance and retract an output member, a lever rotatably coupled to the output member and configured to rotate by advancing and retracting movements of the output member and a booster unit provided on at least one of the one end parts of the pair of link arms and configured to rotate the link arms with supporting portions as fulcrums by boosting a force transmitted by the rotation of the lever.

Abstract: An emergency stop device for a shuttle moveable in a horizontal plane on two elongated rails arranged in parallel includes at least one pressure biased locking shoulder displaceable in a horizontal plane, and at least one stabilizing wheel arranged together with the locking shoulder in a holder and protruding outside the locking shoulder, wherein the stabilizing wheel is rotatable in a horizontal plane. The locking shoulder and the stabilizing wheel together have an extension such that they together can be received, at least partially in a hole provided in a substantially vertical web of the rails at an end portion of the rail, when biased by the pressure bias. A frictional coupling is arranged between the shuttle and holder and allows limited movement of the shuttle in the horizontal plane after the locking shoulder has reached a locked position vis-à-vis the rails.

Abstract: Provided is a railway vehicle disc brake apparatus that is capable of ensuring sufficient strength and that can be reduced in weight. The railway vehicle disc brake apparatus has: a pair of calliper levers for supporting a pair of pads; a pair of fulcrum shaft members that pivotally support the pair of calliper levers; and a cylinder device for driving the pair of calliper levers around the pair of fulcrum shaft members. Arm sections of the calliper lever have first and second portions that extend in such a manner as to intersect each other in a cross section that is perpendicular to the direction in which said arm sections extend.

Abstract: A spring brake cylinder having a housing in which a spring store piston which is loaded by at least one spring store spring and which has a piston rod is axially movable, and having an emergency release device with an emergency release actuation device, an emergency release mechanism with a toothed wheel for interrupting the force flow between the spring store piston and piston rod, and a holding device designed for holding the emergency release device in various holding positions, wherein the holding device has a pawl, and the emergency release actuation device has at least one actuation element and a driver for driving the pawl.

Abstract: An automatic hand brake system for a railcar including a release mechanism operatively connected between an actuator and the spool gear that is turned by hand to set the hand brake. The actuator is operatively connected to a pressured fluid system. When a threshold pressure is reached the actuator operates the release mechanism to release the spool gear so that the brakes are released. When there is a pressure drop, an automatic reset apparatus resets the release mechanism so that the hand brake can set. In one aspect, the pressurized fluid system such is an air brake system. In another aspect, the pressurized fluid system is oil or hydraulic system or a combination of air and oil. An apparatus can be employed to permit release of the hand brake if desired.

Abstract: A brake system for a rail-guided tractive vehicle includes electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical components, as well as vehicle interfaces for connecting the brake system to the tractive vehicle. The invention provides a brake system that can be adapted easily and economically to different requirements of the customers, and in particular to different locomotives. For that purpose, the components are housed in modules respectively having predetermined spatial measurements and each module has at least one predetermined electric or pneumatic vehicle interface, with respect to their spatial position within the module and also with respect to their operational variables.

Abstract: A brake mechanism having a chain locator comprises a chain coupled between a braking mechanism and a railway car brake system, a marker is releasably secured to the chain, and a sensor is coupled to the railway car proximate the chain for detecting the state of the railway car brake system. The chain is moveable between a first position in which the marker is not sensed by the sensor, and a second position in which the sensor detects the marker.

Abstract: A parking brake reset system for a railway vehicle, such as a transit vehicle, includes a brake operating unit fluidly connected to a main air reservoir and controlling air flow to a brake cylinder of the railway vehicle, a brake pipe, a parking brake, and a control valve in line between the brake pipe and the parking brake to establish fluid communication between the brake pipe and the parking brake. The control valve is in line between the brake operating unit and the parking brake, whereby the control valve controls air flow to the parking brake from the main air reservoir and the brake pipe. The control valve may be a double check valve or a 3-way cutout valve, as examples.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system.

Abstract: A release holding mechanism for a railcar hand brake includes a release shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. A quick release handle is rigidly secured to an external end of the release shaft for rotation therewith and manually rotatable into a release position to initiate the quick release of the railcar brake application. A release lever cooperates with a driving mechanism of the hand brake to effect quick release of the railcar brake application. A release ratchet wheel is mounted for rotation with the driving mechanism. A release pawl operably engages the release ratchet wheel when the driving mechanism rotated for releasing the brake application. A gravity weighted member is disposed on and rigidly secured to the release lever for maintaining the release pawl, due to gravity, in a disengaged position relative to the release ratchet wheel when the driving mechanism is manually operable for effecting the brake application.

Abstract: A hand brake mechanism having a mechanism to disengage a release lever disposed within a clutch and release assembly at the beginning of the brake application cycle. This mechanism includes a holding pawl having a force transmitting member which cooperates with a force receiving member disposed within the release lever to effect rotational motion onto the release lever at the beginning of the brake application cycle. At least one spring is provided to substantially complete rotational motion of the release lever.

Abstract: A railway brake cylinder includes a body (11?); a piston (13?) mobile relative to the body (11?) to act on a brake linkage and delimiting with the body (11?) a pressure chamber (10?) adapted to be supplied by a pneumatic pressure agent source; an auxiliary actuating member (26?) mobile relative to the body (11?) and the piston (13?), mechanically connected to manual operating elements to cause it to occupy either a rest position in which it is away from the piston (13?) or a pushing position in which it is in contact with the piston (13?); two orifices (73?, 51?) in fluid communication with the chamber (10?) and the atmosphere, respectively; and selective connecting elements (28?) between the two orifices (73?, 51?), the elements (28?) being mechanically connected to the auxiliary actuating member.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system.

Abstract: A quick release brake mechanism has a housing, a first shaft mounted in the housing and at least one gear rotatably received thereon. A second gear is rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft. A clutch is operatively disposed between the first shaft and the second gear, and a locking mechanism is mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft at least one gear and the clutch. The clutch is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the first and the second gears, and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft. A remotely operated quick release mechanism operatively coupled to the housing has a first end operatively coupled to a power source and an opposite second end operatively coupled to the clutch so as to move the clutch from the clutch first position into the clutch second position.

Abstract: A hand brake actuator for a rail car has a rotary input connected to a rotary output by a transmission including a clutch and a ratchet wheel and pawl, a declutching mechanism for disengaging the clutch in a declutched position of the declutching mechanism, and a release handle with a first cam which drives the declutching mechanism to the declutched position when the release handle is moved from an apply position to a release position. A second cam is biased in a first direction to engage and retain the declutching mechanism in a declutched position after the release handle is removed from the release position. A follower is connected to the second cam and is responsive to the rotation of the input in an apply direction to rotate the second cam in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the declutching mechanism and allow the clutch to reengage.

Abstract: A brake device of a railway vehicle, having at least one operating brake cylinder having at least one operating brake piston actuated by a pressurizing medium, the piston actuating an operating brake piston rod coaxial to the brake cylinder axis, and having a parking brake device having a pivotally supported actuating lever, the rotary motion thereof being transmitted to a shaft rotationally supported by at least one shaft bearing on a housing, wherein the rotary motion of the shaft induced by the actuating lever can be converted to a linear motion parallel to the brake cylinder axis of at least one support roller rotationally supported by a support roller bearing on a rotary axis disposed parallel to the shaft, in that at least one cam having an operating cam face and rotationally fixed to the shaft is provided, the cam interacting with a radially outer support roller surface of the support roller during a tightening or releasing stroke of the parking brake device, wherein the linear motion of the support ro

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system.

Abstract: A brake system for a rail-guided tractive vehicle includes electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical components, as well as vehicle interfaces for connecting the brake system to the tractive vehicle. The invention provides a brake system that can be adapted easily and economically to different requirements of the customers, and in particular to different locomotives. For that purpose, the components are housed in modules respectively having predetermined spatial measurements and each module has at least one predetermined electric or pneumatic vehicle interface, with respect to their spatial position within the module and also with respect to their operational variables.

Abstract: A brake mechanism comprises a housing, a first handle, a first shaft mounted in the housing having at least one gear rotationally fixed thereon, a second gear rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft, a locking mechanism, and a clutch operatively disposed between the first handle and the second gear. The locking mechanism comprises a second shaft mounted in the housing, a second handle rotationally fixed to the second shaft, a first pawl rotatably received on the second shaft and in operative engagement with the first shaft at least one gear, and a second pawl having a first portion in operative engagement with the first pawl and a second portion. The clutch is in engagement with the second pawl second portion and is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the second gear and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft.

Abstract: A brake mechanism comprises a housing, a first handle, a first shaft mounted in the housing having at least one gear rotatably received thereon, a second gear rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft, a locking mechanism, and a clutch operatively disposed between the first handle and the second gear, where the clutch defined a recess therein. The locking mechanism comprises a second shaft mounted in the housing, a second handle rotationally fixed to the second shaft, a pawl rotatably received on the second shaft and in operative engagement with the first gear, and said pawl having a first portion in operative engagement with the first gear and a second portion operatively engaged with the clutch. The clutch is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the second gear and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft and the pawl second portion is received in the clutch recess.

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 brake mechanism for activating the brake rigging of a railway car, the brake mechanism comprising a shaft having axial splines formed on one end thereof, a handle rotatably coupled to the shaft so that the handle is rotationally fixed to the shaft in a first direction and rotates relative to the shaft in an opposite second direction. A first gear is connected to the railway car brake rigging, a second gear is in operative engagement with the shaft splines, and a clutch is operatively disposed between the first gear and the second gear, the clutch having a coupler for rotationally coupling the first gear and the second gear and at least one spring operatively disposed intermediate the first gear and the second gear for biasing the coupler into engagement with the second gear. The coupler is moveable between a first position in which the first gear is rotationally coupled to the second gear, and a second position in which the first gear rotates with respect to the second gear.

Abstract: A manual brake release and status indicator device for a parking brake for a rail vehicle, the manual brake release can include a positioner rod having a handle at one end and a second end connected to a positioner assembly which is associated with a parking brake clamp mechanism. The positioner assembly is movable via the handle to manually release the parking brake clamp from an applied position. The handle is associated with the status indicator, which can include a face plate positioned in proximity to the handle, wherein the position of the handle relative to the face plate indicates whether the parking brake is applied or released.

Abstract: An apparatus engageable with a hand brake assembly for automatically applying at least one brake secured to a railway vehicle. The apparatus comprises an operating mechanism which is a two stage pneumatic cylinder having a primary portion for initial phase of the brake application and a secondary portion for the final brake application to apply high forces and to comply with AAR requirements. A source of fluid pressure is connected to the operating mechanism for periodically supplying a predetermined pressure thereto. A first control device is connected to the source of the fluid pressure for initiating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating mechanism. A second control device is connected to the source of the fluid pressure for regulating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating mechanism thereby causing an automatic application of such brake by the hand brake assembly.

Abstract: A brake (10) having application for a linear or rotational motion device includes a housing (120) in which a first piston (140), a wedge (142) and a second piston (144) cooperate to engage a friction facing (136) through a plurality of rollers (152, 154, 156, 158). The three part piston assembly (148) allows a braking action and prevents torsional forces that are non-axial to the axis of the first piston (140) and second piston (144). The pistons (140, 144) are biased by compression springs (176) and may be actuated by a fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus engageable with a hand brake assembly for automatically applying at least one brake device secured to a railway vehicle with such hand brake assembly. The apparatus includes an operating mechanism having at least a portion thereof engageable with at least one gear of a gear assembly disposed in a housing member of the hand brake assembly for operating such gear assembly in a direction which will cause an application of such brake device. A source of fluid pressure is connected to the operating mechanism for periodically supplying a predetermined pressure to such operating mechanism for the application of the brake device. An activating device is connected to the source of fluid pressure for initiating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating mechanism thereby causing an automatic application of such brake device by the hand brake assembly.

Abstract: A hand brake mechanism having a release hold mechanism to prevent unwanted application of the railcar brakes. The release hold mechanism includes a cam and a holding pawl having cooperating force members and a detent retaining device engaging the cam disposed within the railcar hand brake to maintain the hand brake in the released hold condition. The cooperating force members disengage the cam from the detent retaining device to allow brake application. The hand brake incorporates an indicator member having a reflective coating to indicate such release hold position of the railcar hand brake.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved TMX.RTM truck mounted brake assembly for applying a brake shoe force to a railway car wheels by interfacing with an axle motion III bogie. The improvement comprises a rack and pinion type hand brake mechanism integrally mounted on at least one truck bogie per railway car. The hand brake mechanism utilizes a plurality of gear/pinion arrangements to transmit the force applied at the drive wheel to the transfer lever disposed within the TMX.RTM truck mounted brake assembly to effect the brake application. The hand brake mechanism is disposed within the spatial confines of the TMX.RTM truck mounted brake assembly and axle motion III bogie. The brake beams of the brake assembly are of the open box construction to accommodate such hand brake mechanism. A visual indicator is provided to identify the hand brake in both fully applied and fully released positions.

Abstract: A brake rigging comprising first and second brake beams. A brake shoe assembly including a brake shoe adjacent each end of brake beams. A first force transfer mechanism connected intermediate first and second ends thereof to the first brake beam for moving a brake shoe into engagement with confronting wheels during braking. A second force transfer mechanism connected intermediate first and second ends thereof for moving brake shoes into engagement with confronting wheels during braking. A first force transmitting device engageable with such second brake beam for rotating such second force transfer mechanism. An adjustable length second force transmitting device having one end connected to the first force transfer mechanism and another end connected to the second force transfer mechanism and an apparatus engageable with such second force transmitting device and a portion of such brake rigging for changing a length of the second force transmitting device.

Abstract: An automatic application hand brake mechanism is provided for automatically applying at least one brake member secured to a railway vehicle with the hand brake assembly. The mechanism comprises an operating member having at least one ratchet engageable with at least one gear of the hand brake assembly for operating the gear assembly in a direction which will cause an application of the at least one brake member. The apparatus also includes an application cylinder and a drive arm extending from an end thereof having a first portion which is connected to the operating member. The drive arm is capable of reciprocating with respect to the application cylinder upon the application of a force thereto to supply a predetermined pressure to the operating member to cause an automatic application of the at least one brake member.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a power spring of a pneumatic spring brake actuator of a vehicle by comparing the stroke of the push rod during normal braking and by actuating the parking brake, wherein a defective power spring is indicated when the difference in the push rod stroke falls below a predetermined minimum. The brake actuator may also include a sensor determining the push rod stroke and signal a defective power spring.

Abstract: An apparatus engageable with a hand brake assembly for automatically applying at least one brake device secured to a railway vehicle with such hand brake assembly. The apparatus includes an operating mechanism having at least a portion thereof engageable with at least one gear of a gear assembly disposed in a housing member of the hand brake assembly for operating such gear assembly in a direction which will cause an application of such brake device. A source of fluid pressure is connected to the operating mechanism for periodically supplying a predetermined pressure to such operating mechanism for the application of the brake device. An activating device is connected to the source of fluid pressure for initiating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating mechanism thereby causing an automatic application of such brake device by the hand brake assembly.

Abstract: An automatic application hand brake apparatus is provided for automatically applying at least one brake member secured to a railway vehicle with the hand brake assembly. The apparatus comprises an operating member having at least one ratchet attached to a drive shaft of said hand brake assembly. An application cylinder is connected to a drive arm pivotally attached to the drive shaft and containing and operating pawl engaging the operating ratchet. The reciprocating motion of the drive arm caused by the application cylinder enables reciprocal rotation of the operating arm and furthermore causing application of at least one brake member. A plurality of control valves are connected to the source of the fluid pressure for initiating and regulating the supply of fluid pressure to the application cylinder and for stopping an automatic application of such hand brake in case of the emergency or a reversal of the unintended activation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an operating mechanism having at least a portion thereof engageable with at least one gear of a gear assembly disposed in a housing member of a hand brake assembly for operating such gear assembly. A source of fluid pressure is connected to the operating mechanism for periodically supplying a pressure to such operating mechanism. A control device is connected to the source of pressure for initiating the supply of such pressure to the operating mechanism. A further control device is connected to the source of pressure for regulating the supply of such pressure to the operating mechanism thereby causing an automatic application of such brake by the hand brake assembly. An additional control device is connected to the source of pressure for stopping an automatic application of such brake in case of an emergency or a reversal of an unintended activation.

Abstract: In combination with a hand brake system for a railway vehicle including first and second spaced-apart brake beams. First and second transfer levers are pivotally connected at a point intermediate the ends thereof to a respective one of the first and second brake beams. First and second force-transmitting members are interconnected between corresponding arms of the first and second transfer levers. Such first force-transmitting member including a brake actuator device operable in response to the supply of fluid pressure thereto for increasing the length of the first force-transmitting member, to accordingly increase the spaced-apart distance between the first and second brake beams. A transfer link is connected to the first transfer lever so as to be arcuately movable therewith in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the first transfer lever. The improvement comprises a thrust block disposed on the first brake beam. The thrust block having a pin member disposed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for railway equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to brake devices and systems for pneumatically and manually actuating such devices on railroad train cars such as freight cars. The brake system can be integrated into modern trains without interfering with existing air brake systems. The brake system can be remotely operated, locally pneumatically operated and/or locally manually operated. Monitoring equipment for determining the status of the brakes from remote and local positions may also be provided. The invention may be configured to fit within the envelope of prior art handbrake systems.

Abstract: A gradual release mechanism for use in a hand brake device engageable with a railway car. Such gradual release mechanism comprising an operating shaft for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally of the shaft. A clutch flange portion disposed intermediate both ends of shaft, the clutch flange having a clutch surface. A sleeve concentrically disposed and threadedly mounted on the shaft for rotational movement therewith, the sleeve having a clutch surface opposed to the clutch surface of the clutch flange portion of the shaft. An externally threaded surface on the operating shaft engageable with an internally threaded surface on the sleeve, the threads having a pitch between about 0.60 inch and about 1.00 inch. A ratchet wheel received about the shaft, such ratchet wheel having oppositely disposed clutch surfaces positioned for engagement by the clutch collar portions respectively. A pinion journaled on the shaft and adjacent the sleeve.

Abstract: An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. Several sub-systems to speed performance and enhance reliability, such as an electronic assisted air brake, health monitoring, trailer tie-down and locomotive interface subsystems, can be provided on each segment. A spring applied parking brake is provided for the segments and operably connected to the train pneumatic brake systems. In a preferred embodiment the brake is automatically applied when brake pipe pressure falls below 40 psi nominal. The pneumatic valving for the parking brake prevents application of the valve in an emergency braking situation, until the pressure has bled off in normal system leakage, preventing wheel damage. A handle is provided for manual application and release of the parking brake when desired.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor for a hand brake quick release mechanism having a housing, flexible clamp, and release shaft having a member with first and second elements. A housing member has open and closed ends. The open end is engageable with a housing outside wall at a point radially opposed to the flexible clamp. A first aperture formed through the closed end is in axial alignment with a second aperture through the housing wall and a third aperture through the flexible clamp. A first portion of the slidable member is disposed within the housing member. A second portion extends through the first aperture, and a portion of the first portion extends through the second and third apertures, engaging with the first element when the release shaft is rotated to achieve and maintain full brake release. A device is provided for urging the slidable member inwardly when the hand brake is applied.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the on/off condition of a railroad car handbrake that utilizes a manual wheel which applies tension to a chain extending under the car to the brake setting system and the sensor utilizes a bias member which pushes against the side of the chain so that when the car brakes are not set, and the chain is loose, the bias member moves to distort the chain and such movement causes a sensor, such as a Hall effect device, to approach a magnetic member to produce a signal indicating that the brake is in a released condition.

Abstract: A hand brake for a rail car which is adapted to be connected to the actuator which forms a part of the brake system of the car. A chain wheel about which the actuator chain is wrapped is rotated through a hydraulic cylinder causing the chain to actuate the brake system.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided which is engageable with a hand brake assembly on a railway vehicle for operation of an application cylinder for applying the hand brake assembly. This apparatus includes a source of fluid pressure which is engageable with the railway vehicle. A pneumatic actuation valve which is connected to the source of fluid pressure for initiating communication of fluid pressure from the source of fluid pressure. A force regulating valve which is connected to the pneumatic actuation valve for receiving the fluid pressure from the actuation valve and a mechanically driven valve is connected to the force regulating valve for receiving the fluid pressure from the force regulating valve and for communicating the fluid pressure to the application cylinder to apply the hand brake assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation a railway car vertical wheel hand brake. A hand brake wheel has a hub fixed on an operating shaft. The operating shaft is rotatably mounted on the hand brake. The hand brake wheel further has a reaction member. A brake release mechanism is fixed on a brake release shaft that is rotatably mounted on the hand brake. The reaction member is engageable with the brake release mechanism when the hand brake wheel is rotated, whereby the position of the brake release mechanism will provide a visual indicator of the brake status.

Abstract: An apparatus for a quick release mechanism in a railcar hand brake. The hand brake has a housing having a front casing with an inside wall of a predetermined size and shape, and a back plate. An operating shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. The operating shaft includes a first end and a second end. The operating shaft further includes a ratchet wheel rotatable with the operating shaft intermediate the first and second ends thereof, and a release shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The apparatus comprises a projection of a predetermined size and shape disposed substantially perpendicular to the ratchet wheel, and a flexible clamp of a predetermined size and shape mounted inside the housing.

Abstract: An electronic sensor for a quick release mechanism in a railcar vertical hand brake having a housing equipped with a flexible clamp mounted on an inside wall, and a release shaft having a member disposed perpendicular to and about the circumference thereof. A first element is disposed on the member and interposes with the flexible clamp when the release shaft is rotated to achieve and maintain a full brake release. A second element engages a projection on a ratchet wheel when the operating shaft is rotated to disengage the first element from the flexible clamp. A sensing device is disposed in a predetermined position for detecting when the release shaft is rotated into a release position, and for communicating a signal, indicating that the hand brake is in the release position. A device for activating the sensing device when the release shaft is rotated is disposed in a predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for railway equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to brake devices and systems for pneumatically and manually actuating such devices on railroad train cars such as freight cars. The brake system can be integrated into modern trains without interfering with existing air brake systems. The brake system can be remotely operated, locally pneumatically operated and/or locally manually operated. Monitoring equipment for determining the status of the brakes from remote and local positions may also be provided. The invention may be configured to fit within the envelope of prior art handbrake systems.