Abstract: The invention relates a braking device for a railroad vehicle including traction structure (1, 2) arranged to apply a braking pad on a braking surface affixed to a wheel of the vehicle. It includes a reaction member (11, 20), at least one lever (6; 6', 6"; 33, 33') arranged to cooperate with the reaction member, connecting structure (23, 41) between the traction structure and the lever, the braking pad being borne by the lever to be applied on the braking surface by pivoting of the lever under the action of the traction structure and of the reaction member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brake actuator containing a spring and including a flange case having an outwardly facing receptacle, and a head having an inwardly facing receptacle. The head fits over the flange case such that the inwardly facing receptacle corresponds to the outwardly facing receptacle, and the actuator also includes a key positioned within the receptacles, whereby the head is rigidly secured to the flange case. According to one embodiment, the inwardly facing receptacle comprises a plurality of spaced-apart dimples, and the outwardly facing receptacle comprises a continuous, annular groove. According to another embodiment, the flange case includes an outwardly facing groove above the outwardly facing receptacle, and the brake actuator further includes a diaphragm having an outer periphery clamped within the groove in an airtight manner by the head. The present invention also provides a method of securing a head of a brake actuator to a flange case of the brake actuator.

Abstract: A brake actuator for use on passenger transit railway vehicles, is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing containing a service piston and a parking brake piston. The service piston is connected to an inner hollow stem having a forward conical surface disposed to engage a conical surface of a collet provided on a threaded rod located within the stem. The parking brake piston has a hollow outer sleeve surrounding the hollow stem, while a coil spring is located about the outer sleeve for applying a braking force when fluid pressure is removed from a housing containing the parking brake piston. The spring expands against a locking ring located on a forward sleeve secured to an intermediate sleeve that engages the hollow stem. This causes forward movement of the outer sleeve and forward movement of the conical portion of the hollow stem into engagement with the conical portion of the conical surface of the collet. This, in turn, moves the threaded rod to engage brake applying components of a transit vehicle.

Abstract: A tread brake unit for applying a brake block (3) against the tread of a rail vehicle wheel comprises a pneumatic cylinder (1) having a piston (9) with a piston rod (11). A block holder (2) for the brake block is pivotably connected to the piston rod by a pivot sleeve (19) rotatably attached in the end of the piston rod facing the block holder, which is provided with a circular surface (25) for engagement with the pivot sleeve, a structure (20, 22, 23) being provided for keeping the block holder connected to the pivot sleeve.

Abstract: Air pressure actuated and hydraulic applied railway car parking brake system includes air source to actuate. A control valve receives air from source to initiate air communication. Pneumatic to hydraulic pressure intensifier receives air in first chamber therein from valve. A second intensifier chamber is connected at open first end thereof with partially open second end of first chamber. Hydraulic fluid is disposed in second chamber adjacent closed second end thereof. A force transmitting cylinder, in fluid communication with second chamber, exerts force on brake beam carrying brake shoes thereon which are brought and maintained in frictional engagement with a respective surface of tread portion of a pair of wheels during system operation. A piston member, disposed for reciprocal movement in first chamber, is linearly displaced when a first surface thereof is acted on by air communicated to intensifier.

Abstract: A pressure actuated force transmitting cylinder includes a housing member having first and second elongated portions. An end cap closes one end of the housing in a fluid tight manner. A connection is formed through such first portion for communicating fluid to such cylinder. A clutch having a first clutch surface is disposed on such housing and a piston-like member is disposed for reciprocal movement in such housing. A seal disposed around a peripheral portion of such piston-like member provides a chamber to receive such fluid. An elongated rod-like member, having a threaded portion, is connected to such piston-like member. A threaded nut member is threadedly engaged with such threaded portion. A trigger mechanism is disposed around a portion of such rod-like member adjacent such nut member. A disc-like member is disposed around such trigger.

Abstract: A railway car system includes at least one reservoir containing a predetermined volume of a fluid type media. At least one cylinder is activated in a first direction by such fluid type media and is spring released in an axially opposed second direction. At least one fluid media type pump is connected for fluid communication between such at least one reservoir and such at least one cylinder. Such pump being connected to receive the fluid type media from such at least one reservoir via a first fluid supply line and to communicate such fluid type media to such at least one cylinder during a parking brake application via a second fluid supply line and to return such fluid type media from such at least one cylinder via such second fluid supply line to such at least one reservoir via such first fluid supply line when such parking brake is released. A pump activation device is connected to such at least one pump for initiating communication of such fluid type media.

Abstract: Braking apparatus for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and brake shoes engageable with the wheels which apparatus includes a cylinder and piston assembly including at least two pistons movable in opposite directions by fluid under pressure supplied intermediate the pistons and at least one fixed partition between the pistons. The pistons are connected to the brake shoes at opposite ends of the cylinder and piston assembly by piston rods and levers. When the vehicle has a bolster and two pairs of wheels, the cylinder and piston assembly, which is movable with respect to the bolster, and one pair of wheels are at one side of the bolster and the other pair of wheels is at the other side of the bolster, the brake shoes for the latter wheels being connected to the levers by slack adjusters.

Abstract: A force generating system including a lever mechanism fixed with respect to and interacting with a varying elastic deformation force take-up system and at a force application point of a given lever arm length; an energy-storing force generating device which acts upon the lever mechanism at a changeable position of its lever arm for supplying a portion of the energy stored in it when the lever arm length is increased and for at least partially taking up again the energy taken up by the force take-up system, when the lever arm length is decreased; and an adjusting arrangement for the controllable changing of the position in which the force generating device acts upon the lever arm of the lever mechanism. The force generating system is used in a disk brake system.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an air brake cylinder to a bolster casting of a railroad car includes an adaptor mounting plate disposed contiguous to the surface of the bolster casting. The plate has a plurality of holes formed therein. The bolts are inserted through holes in the bolster casting and through the corresponding holes in the plate. Nuts are torqued onto the bolt shaft to secure the plate to the casting. The adaptor mounting plate also includes a plurality of threaded studs welded thereto. A flange is welded to the cylinder housing at the rod end of the cylinder. The flange has holes formed at its four corners. The flange and cylinder mate with the adaptor mounting plate such that the threaded studs on the plate are inserted through the corresponding holes in the flange. Nuts secure the flange to the plate. Holes are formed in the interior of the cylinder to accommodate the bolts and associated nuts securing the bolster casting to the plate.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system, comprising, a pneumatic-to-hydraulic transducer connected to a brake control unit for developing braking pressure in response to a brake command request, and a plurality of disc brake units connected to the pneumatic-to-hydraulic brake pressure transducer and being characterized by the fact that the disc brake units are divided into high speed disc brake units and low speed disc brake units and a control valve is installed between the brake pressure transducer and the disc brake units so that the pressurized fluid may be supplied from the brake pressure transducer either to the high speed disc brake units, or to the low speed disc brake units.

Abstract: Brake force is transmitted between a single axially movable push rod (6) and a brake block holder (3) by an intermediate force transmission member (22) to accommodate for movements along the wheel axis. This intermediate member (22) has cylindrical surfaces cooperating with both the block holder and the push rod end. The cylindrical surface (22') of the member (22), which cooperates with the brake block holder portion (21), is arcuate with its circle center coinciding with the center for the cylindrical push rod end (6'). A shackle (24) held on the brake block holder is biassed by springs (28) forward toward a brake application direction to retain and frictionally engage protrusions (23) extending from the actuator push rod (6).

Abstract: A rail vehicle brake actuator has a brake block holder (3) suspended therefrom (so as to be laterally movable during braking) by hangers (5) in the form of leaf springs. The hangers are rotatably attached to the lower end of the brake block holder by a stiff lower shaft (8) and to an actuator bracket (2) by pivot joints on a rotatable upper shaft (7).

Abstract: A brake actuator for a railway brake which provides both service and parking braking comprises a cylinder having an operating cavity. A piston assembly extends into the operating cavity and has a stepped bore including second and smaller third cavities. A first hydraulic supply admits pressurized hydraulic fluid into the operating cavity to extend the piston assembly to apply the service brake. A spring applies a retracting force on the piston smaller than the hydraulic force. A hollow parking brake piston carried in the second cavity extends to react against the cylinder and extend the piston assembly in response to the supply of pressurized fluid to the second cavity from a second hydraulic supply to apply the parking brake. A mechanical lock, comprising a one-way clutch utilizing ramps and rollers, locks the piston extended from the piston assembly cylinder to maintain the parking brake applied upon removal of the second hydraulic supply force.

Abstract: For engaging and disengaging a permanent-magnet slipper brake for a rail vehicle there are required relatively high forces which are generated either by a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. Therefore, in rail vehicles without external electric or external hydraulic connections and comprising a pneumatic brake line or brake-pressure lead, there is incorporated a pneumatically driven hydraulic power pump by means of which a hydraulic motor can be driven. This hydraulic motor is then capable of applying the forces required for engaging and disengaging the permanent-magnet slipper brake. The engaging and disengaging process is preferably controlled by a main air line.

Abstract: A brake block holder arrangement comprises a brake block holder (7) receiving a brake force from an axially movable push rod (2) of a brake actuator (1) and being pivotally attached to brake block hangers (5), which are suspended from a suspension bracket (4) on the actuator. A push rod head (3) on the push rod is in direct contact with a generally tube-shaped portion of the brake block holder around its shaft (8) for pivotal connection to the hangers. For accomplishing guiding and torque transmission the push rod head has extensions (11, 12) with a width corresponding to the distance between the side-walls (7') of the brake block holder, one of the extensions being provided with a laterally movable cross piece (19) for toothed engagement with rotatable segments (16) in the inner surfaces of the side-walls.

Abstract: In a brake cylinder (1) for vehicle brake systems a service and a parking brake are provided within a common housing (25). The parking brake (41) acts on a brake actuating member (37) of the brake cylinder (1) against spring force via a parking brake piston (57) which can be loaded preferably by a pressure medium, and can be locked in the parking brake position by a locking mechanism (43) that acts mechanically, i.e., pressure independently, and that is applied automatically subject to spring force when the parking brake is actuated. The locking mechanism (43) is released preferably by loading a locking piston (59) with a pressure medium in such a manner that the parking brake piston can be returned automatically subject to spring force into its release position and is mechanically maintained in this position.

Abstract: A tread brake unit including a spring actuated compensating mechanism for maintaining the brake unit piston stroke constant. A roller associated with the compensating mechanism is adapted to ride along an operating surface of a lever arm that rotates according to the degree of piston stroke. The profile of this operating surface regulates the roller movement to prevent the stressing of operating springs in the compensating mechanism from exceeding a maximum value corresponding to their fatigue limit.

Abstract: An actuating cylinder having a fluid pressure operated piston member connected by a friction member to a push rod to which a brake shoe, or the like, may be attached as the output member. A force transfer lever is arranged between the piston and push rod to transmit the piston force to the output member with mechanical advantage only after the friction connection is overcome by resistance at the push rod, such as occurs by engagement of the brake shoe with the wheel of a railway vehicle.

Abstract: A force transfer mechanism including a force lever through which an input force is transmitted to an output member with mechanical advantage only after the output member encounters sufficient resistance to overcome a friction connection between an input member and the output member indicative of the input member having moved from a retracted position to an operative position. The resultant movement of the input member relative to the output member in the absence of the frictional connection therebetween allows the input member to engage the end of force lever that is normally spaced-apart therefrom and to accordingly drive the output member with a force corresponding to the input force multiplied by the ratio of the force lever only in the operative position of the input member.

Abstract: A tread-brake unit comprises a brake piston and arrangement (101/100), a slack adjuster (200) and a brake shoe (300). The piston (101) is mounted in the cylinder (100) such that in operation of the brake piston and cylinder arrangement the axis (103) of the piston (101) oscillates about the axis (104) of the cylinder (100). The axis (104) of the cylinder (100) is inclined with respect to the axis (201) of the slack adjuster (200) in the plane in which the axis (103) of the piston (100) is oscillatable about the axis (104) of the cylinder (100). The piston rod (105) of the piston (101)is pivotally engaged with one end of a first lever (401) pivotally mounted in the unit and engageable with one end of a second, bell-crank, lever (410) which is pivotally mounted at its elbow in the unit and is pivotally engaged at its other end to a part (280) of the slack adjuster (200) movement of which within the unit effects, through the slack adjuster (200), operation of the brake shoe (300).

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for a hydropneumatic brake actuator having a power piston comprising a force piston formed with a bore therein and a take-up piston operative in the force piston bore for movement relative thereto during a brake application. This relative movement is controlled by a check valve device carried with the force piston to establish or interrupt fluid pressure communication between the respective pistons and establishes a positive clearance between a brake shoe and wheel tread, for example, during a subsequent brake release.

Abstract: The combined service and spring-loaded brake cylinder has a service brake piston (11) and a tension piston (16) assigned to a storage spring (17). Between the tension piston, a wear stroke readjusting device with non-self-locking threading (44) is arranged. The threaded spindle (29) of the wear stroke adjusting device can be moved axially and held stationary via a conical coupling (40), which is also spring loaded in the closed direction and closes in the direction of the braking force output. There is also an annular piston (22), which can be moved into the release position by means of a second release pressure cycle at the tension piston (16) in order to move the piston. On an end section (25), which projects into free space, the tension piston (16) carries a nut (27) which can be pulled into its release position by screwing.

Abstract: A self-steering railway truck is disclosed having a novel axle relating traction linkage connecting with the bearing housings of a separable suspension system having detachable spring seats shimable for height adjustment. The brake mechanism is mounted on the axle hung traction motors to maintain braking forces within the attached elements and avoid affecting the self-steering action of the wheel and axle assemblies.

Abstract: A rail vehicle block brake actuator (1) shall be fixedly mounted, but its brake block holder (4) shall brakingly engage an axially movable wheel (25). For this purpose the brake block holder is laterally movably suspended relative to the brake actuator by means of pivotable hangers (5) each consisting of a stack of leaf springs. These leaf springs (5) are preferably prestressed in a direction for compensating for the bias of the taper of the wheel tread, which it is intended to engage, but are held in a straight condition by means of a flat bar (9).

Abstract: The block brake unit for rail vehicles has a service brake which includes a transmission lever which is pivoted by a brake piston to shift an actuating rod coupled with a brake block carrier. A parking brake includes a spring-loaded cylinder which is coupled by a pivotable parking brake lever through a transmission lever to the actuating rod. An impact wedge coupling comprising a roller and wedge surface is provided between the parking brake lever and the transmission lever. By a suitable choice of the inclination and shape of the wedge surface, the transmission ratio for the parking brake can be readily adjusted for requirements in particular situations without the necessity for changes of the exterior dimensions or mounts and without any changes of the transmission ratio for the service brake. The wedge surface can also be constructed to provide a constant progressive or decreasing transmission ratio and also a fast application for the parking brake.

Abstract: A brake rigging for a railway vehicle truck including two brake beams and a brake cylinder assembly utilizes two lever assemblies so connected between the end portions of the brake beams and the brake cylinder assembly that actuation of the cylinder assembly moves the brake beams away from one another. The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder, and the lever assemblies are comprised of two primary levers and two secondary levers. The two primary levers are each pivotally connected to a corresponding end portion of one of the brake beams and to a corresponding one of the cylinder or piston of the brake cylinder assembly. The two secondary levers are each pivotally connected to a corresponding end portion of the other of the brake beams and to a corresponding one of the primary levers intermediate the ends of the primary lever.

Abstract: A brake cylinder comprises a brake actuator device having a fluid operable piston and a coaxial adjoining hand brake operable device for axial actuation of a coaxial tubular push rod, there being a slack adjuster for selectively adjusting the retraction of the push rod. An actuating rod is connected to the piston and the actuating rod is selectively connected and disconnected from the internal periphery of the push rod by locking rollers selectively cooperating with a wedge shaped annulus disposed between the actuator rod and the inner periphery of the push rod. Slack adjustment is permitted by axial travel of the push rod beyond free travel limits as permitted by a friction sleeve connection between the outer periphery of the push rod and the brake cylinder housing. In a modification, the locking device is provided for a fluid spread brake cylinder that is adapted by levers to be connected to a conventional freight brake rigging to be used, for example, for hand brake applications.

Abstract: A combination air brake cylinder and hydraulic slack adjuster for a railroad car brake system includes an air operated piston positioned within a housing. There is an air port in the housing in communication with the air piston and there is a return spring in the housing operable upon the air piston. The housing includes a fluid outlet port and a fluid piston and valve arrangement within the housing connected to the air piston and responsive to brake application movement thereof to supply a brake shoe application fluid pressure at said outlet. A fluid reservoir is associated wtih the fluid piston and valve arrangement and has check valve controlled connecting passages thereto for adjusting slack in the brake rigging during brake application functions.

Abstract: A two-stage, hydro-pneumatic actuator suitable for use as a railway vehicle brake. The hydraulic cylinder comprises a large diameter bore in which a low- and a high-pressure piston operate jointly during a first stage of operation to effect a high volumetric displacement of hydraulic fluid via a small diameter bore in order to take up the clearance between the brake shoes and wheel. As the brake shoes contact the wheel, the high-pressure piston enters the small bore to interrupt further displacement of hydraulic fluid from the large bore. The force of the high-pressure piston alone during this second stage of operation produces the required brake forces with a high multiplication factor. Make-up fluid is drawn into a chamber on the backside of the low-pressure piston during a brake application stroke an amount corresponding to the over-travel of the high-pressure piston and is subsequently discharged into the hydraulic cylinder during retraction of the brakes to compensate for brake shoe wear.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake cylinder device employs a pair of different sized fluid motors, the pressure chambers of which serve as air storage reservoirs. The cylinder of the larger fluid motor is formed by the main casting and contains a larger piston, while the cylinder of the smaller fluid motor is mounted to the main casting in coaxial relationship with the larger cylinder and contains a smaller piston having an elongated hollow body that is connected at its open end to one side of the larger piston to form a pressure chamber therebetween. The smaller piston fits within the smaller cylinder in spaced-apart relationship therewith to form a pressure chamber delimited by a seal fixed on the main casting for engagement with the piston periphery at any point along its longitudinal axis. The larger piston cooperates with the larger cylinder to form pressure chambers on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A railway vehicle brake block holder (11) for a brake unit (1) with brake block hangers (9) pivotally attached to a fixed part (8) of the unit and to the brake block holder.In order primarily to obtain a very compact design the brake block hangers (9) are pivotally attached to the lower part of the brake block holder (11) and to brackets (8) on the unit constituting a lateral guiding for the holder. The two hangers (9) together with two inserts (13) are held together as a strong yoke by a screw (12). Means (14-18, 22, 23) are provided for obtaining a self-adjusting force transmitting connection between the only axially movable brake unit push rod (3) and the brake block holder (11).

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic brake actuator having a friction element positionable by the power piston during the brake application stroke through a lost-motion connection therewith to establish a stop to limit movement of the power piston during a brake release and thereby provide a predetermined brake shoe clearance. In an alternate embodiment, a leaf spring is carried by the friction element to provide a cushioned stop for the power piston to prevent inadvertent displacement of the friction element, by reason of wheel out-of-roundness imparting a "kick-back" force on the power piston.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic brake actuator arranged with a slack adjuster piston and one-way check valve device in the hydraulic path between a hydro-pneumatic actuator and a power piston, to which a friction brake element is connected for engagement with a vehicle wheel tread or brake disc during a brake application. During a brake release, the one-way check valve closes a passage through the slack adjuster piston to cause the piston to shift from its one extreme position to the other extreme position with the fluid flow, as the hydro-pneumatic actuator is moved from its application position to its release position. This in turn draws hydraulic fluid from the power piston chamber into a clearance volume created by shifting of the slack adjuster piston, and accordingly forces the power piston to retract a predetermined distance corresponding to the capacity of the clearance volume and the effective area of the power piston, thereby maintaining a constant brake shoe clearance during brake release.

Abstract: A device at a brake actuator for permitting thrust force transmission between an axially movable push rod (4) of the actuator and a brake block holder (6) moving out of line with the push rod.In order to ensure force transmission irrespective of the brake block holder movements and to avoid any slippage between the members a transmission part (5) is arranged between the push rod (4) and the brake block holder (6) and has spherical surfaces in engagement therewith, these surfaces having a common center.

Abstract: A rail car brake system of high mechanical efficiency which is compact, light in weight and economical in that it utilizes mass produced highway truck brake cylinders and slack adjusters and is easy to maintain. Critical components are lubricated and fully sealed against foreign particles. The brake system includes a shoe which is mounted in a brake head to operate in a direction truly perpendicular to the wheel tread to reduce wear, employs a long-lead screw operatively inter-connecting the brake cylinder and brake head via an automatic slack adjuster and an anti-friction roller bearing supporting the screw whereby direct load path absorption of the brake application forces is effected. The brake system also includes a parking brake which is automatically applied and released and which also provides emergency braking capability should the service brake fail. Each brake system operates on one wheel.

Abstract: The hydraulic activators are provided with a relief valve which serves to permit communication between the disengaging cylinder chamber and the work cylinder chamber. The open position of the relief valve occurs when the release apparatus for the rotatable friction brake member is closed. The closed position of the relief valve occurs after the rotating brake is released. The relief valve can be mounted in the release apparatus of the working piston.

Abstract: A parking brake for use primarily on railway vehicles of the mass transit type in conjunction with the service brake apparatus but operable independently thereof. A parking brake hydraulic cylinder is mechanically connected to the brake shoe hanger of the brake unit. After the vehicle has been brought to a stop, a parking brake application may be made by supplying pressure, by a handpump, to the hydraulic cylinder which also includes a lock-nut actuable by the pressure, in excess of a certain pressure for locking the parking brake hydraulic cylinder in its applied position. A relief valve is provided for relieving the hydraulic cylinder of hydraulic pressure when the application is to be released.

Abstract: An air operated brake actuator has an air pressure operated brake force applying member, the application to and removal of pressure from which member determines the brake force, another such member which must be separately pressurised to follow the first member to lock in a brake force, and yet another member which requires to be additionally pressurized to effect unlocking of the brake force.

Abstract: A brake comprises an elongate friction pad engageable with a rotor surface, the friction pad being supported close to the rotor surface by a support. A connecting link connects the support to a fixed structure and transmits the braking drag forces to the fixed structure whilst permitting a degree of substantially friction-free movement of the body of friction material toward and away from the rotor surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically-applied spring-released brake assembly for each individual wheel of a railway vehicle truck, wherein the brake assembly comprises a pair of levers that so cooperate with non-self-locking threads formed on a nut and a screw member as to provide a high mechanical advantage or multiplication of the braking force transmitted from a piston to a brake shoe thereby enabling a substantial reduction in the diameter of the piston and therefore of the size of the brake assembly from that of such assemblies heretofore necessary to transmit the same braking force to the shoe.

Abstract: An air brake system for a railway vehicle has a brake control valve connected to a main air line which is maintained at a certain pressure when the brakes are released. Connected to the brake control valve is an air reservoir and a brake cylinder which is connected through suitable linkage to operate a friction brake. A valve device is provided which is actuated in response to the operating state of the friction brake and pressure in the main air line and includes a venting valve connected to the main air line so that the venting valve is opened during a simultaneous occurrence of the brake being in the braking state and the regular pressure level is maintained in the air line. Under other conditions the venting valve is closed.