Abstract: A slack adjuster for use with a railway braking system which has an increased let-out length that enables the use of brake shoes having an increased thickness. The slack adjuster includes at least one of a dual spring and canister assembly, an external yoke trigger, or a combination of both a dual spring and canister assembly and an external yoke trigger. A method of retrofitting a truck mounted brake system is provided, in which the slack adjuster is positioned within the brake system in order to increase the let-out length while maintaining a predetermined spatial envelope within the brake system. The slack adjuster has an increased let-out length enabling the use of thicker brake shoes without requiring modification of the interacting components of the truck mounted brake system since the overall size of the slack adjuster remains the same.

Abstract: A vented cap for a main spring housing of a slack adjuster including an inner portion having an inner seal surface configured for cooperating with an elongated rod member and an outer seal surface configured for cooperating with a sidewall located at an end portion of the main spring housing. The vented end cap includes at least one opening configured to allow fluid and/or contaminants trapped within the slack adjuster and/or the end cap to drain therethrough. Various seals and/or drainage openings can also be provided along the slack adjuster to prevent the entrance of and/or allow for drainage of fluid/contaminants from the slack adjuster. A method for preventing the accumulation of fluid and/or contaminants within a slack adjuster and for protecting a critical operating area of the slack adjuster is also provided.

Abstract: A drainage system for use with a slack adjuster for a railway brake rigging. The drainage system allows fluid and other contaminants to drain from the slack adjuster to prevent the fluid and contaminants from accumulating within the slack adjuster, contacting an operating area of the slack adjuster, and interfering with the operation of the slack adjuster. The slack adjuster includes a main housing portion, a cone nut housing portion enclosing a critical operating area of the slack adjuster, and an overtravel housing portion. The drainage system includes at least one aperture extending through a sidewall portion of the overtravel housing portion. The at least one aperture is configured to allow fluid and/or contaminants to drain there through to reduce exposure of the critical operating area to fluid and/or contaminants. A plug and/or patch can be provided to sealingly and/or removably engage the at least one aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated bogie brake including a brake beam, a brake cylinder, slack adjusters, levers, and brake shoe holders and having suspension links in order to be hanged under a bogie. In order to provide a device with a significantly lower weight and simpler design with the same and better braking characteristics compared to known types of bogie brake systems, the integrated bogie brake according to the invention needs only one single brake beam and the slack adjusters are aligned with the wheels of the bogie.

Abstract: A slack adjuster that is protected against environmental contaminants via a series of holes positioned circumferentially around each end and covered by a sleeve having a slot is aligned with one of the series of holes while covering the remaining holes. The sleeve protects against infiltration of contaminants at the ends of the slack adjuster and allows any contaminants that do infiltrate the slack adjuster to be expelled through the aligned hole and slot. The central portion of the slack adjuster may also be protected by including a series of circumferential holes that are selectively covered by a sleeve having a drain positioned to align with the lowest holes while covering the remaining holes.

Abstract: A disc-brake unit (10) for vehicles on rails, comprising a brake pincer consisting of a pair of jaws (14), provided with relative friction gaskets (16), intended to rub on the two opposite surfaces of a disc (12). The jaws (14) are hinged at one of the ends of a pair of levers (18). The levers (18) are pivoted on respective hinges (20) fixedly connected to the main body of the braking unit (10), and are actuated by a braking force motor (22) provided with at least one first piston (26) that moves with alternate motion along an axis (A). The braking unit (10) also comprises a group (68) for automatically regulating the clearances between the friction gaskets (16) and the disc (12).

Abstract: An item assembly and a shock attenuation method for protecting an item comprising providing an item internal to an assembly and encasing the item in a fluid material such that the material and the item are approximately in hydrostatic balance upon an impact event.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for a fluid-actuated brake comprises a slack adjuster collet (24) having a tubular skirt and an enlarged ring section. The enlarged ring section has opposed axial stop faces notched therein that define a conical lift surface facing the tube axis. A forward stop face has a conical or beveled surface arranged to engage the conical or beveled surface on one stop face of the collet when the collet carried by the actuator rod reaches the forward stop face and a retraction stop face has a conical or beveled surface arranged to engage the conical or beveled surface on the other stop face of the collet when the collet carried by the actuator rod reaches retraction stop face. The conical or beveled surfaces are configured so that when they engage, the force of the collet on the push rod is reduced.

Abstract: A rotary slack adjuster (11) for use in a brake system of a vehicle (10) for compensating for wear in brake friction lining. The adjuster (11) includes an input arm (26) for connection to an actuating piston (25) of a brake actuator, an output arm (31) for connection to an output rod (24), and a rotatable member (49). Coupling device are provided for coupling the input arm (26), the output arm (31) and the rotatable member (49) together for mutual rotation during brake actuation in each of a first direction and a second opposite direction, while the rotatable member is confined to rotate between end limits in each of the first and second directions. The coupling device permits the input arm and the output arm to further mutually rotate in the first direction relative to rotatable member upon the rotatable member rotating to the end limit in the first direction.

Abstract: An adapter system for use in railway vehicle braking systems for increasing the height of a slack adjuster with respect to a force transfer lever in the braking system is provided. Increasing the height of the slack adjuster in the system results in better clearance of the slack adjuster through an opening of the truck bolster through which the slack adjuster extends in single-cylinder, truck-mounted braking systems. The adapter system of the invention comprises a J-shaped member which is engageable with the transfer lever of the braking system. This J-shaped member has a first portion extending above and substantially parallel with at least a portion of the transfer lever, a second portion positioned below an end of the transfer lever, and a third portion positioned adjacent an edge of the end of the transfer lever. The transfer lever is connected between the first and second portions of the J-shaped member.

Abstract: A brake actuator and slack adjuster subjected to axial vibration includes a slack adjusting mechanism circumferentially engaging a brake actuating mechanism. A circumferential elastomer bushing is disposed about the brake actuating mechanism for damping axial vibrations experienced by the slack adjuster. One washer has a recess sized to receive and seat one end of the bushing while a shim washer is located at the other end of the bushing and against a bearing race of the slack adjuster.

Abstract: In a sealing arrangement between a tubular housing (2) and a rod (1) in a rail vehicle slack adjuster, a cup (3) is movable with the rod and extends along the rod over the free end of the housing. A sealing arrangement (6-9) is in sealing engagement with the housing (2). It comprises flange-like portions (6', 7), extending into close proximity with the inner wall of the cup for forming a labyrinth seal, and a sealing lip (9') in sealing contact with the end of the cup for preventing the intrusion of water and the like in the cup.

Abstract: A brake device equipped with an actuator having a power-transmission member generating a pushing force by receiving a drive force so as to advance. A pressure-detection device is provided for detecting the reaction pressure being applied to the power-transmission member and a clearance controller is provided for making the power-transmission member perform a return stroke. A brake shoe is attached to the power-transmission member and generates a braking force on the wheel tread surface. Such clearance controller is provided with a stroke memory unit which detects when the pressure signal from the pressure-detection device has reached a reference value when the pushing force of the power-transmission member is output and memorizes the stroke position of the power-transmission member as the reference stroke position.

Abstract: An end piece or barrel head (1) for a rail vehicle axial slack adjuster is at its outer periphery connected to a barrel (2) of the adjuster and is arranged around a rotatably and axially movable tube (3). The end piece is provided with an internal, circumferential groove (4), connected to the exterior by way of a number of channels (5) opening in the end wall (1') of the end piece for allowing water collected in the groove to freely pass out to the exterior. The end piece is extended further into the barrel by way of a sleeve (1"), which is connected to the groove by way of notches (6) and contains a sealing ring (7) engaging the tube and sealingly cooperating with the sleeve.

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: An end piece or barrel head (1) for an axial slack adjuster is at its outer periphery connected to a barrel (2) of the adjuster and is arranged around a rotatably and axially movable tube (3). The end piece is provided with an internal, circumferential groove (4), connected to the exterior by means of a number of channels (5) opening in the end wall (1') of the end piece for allowing water collected in the groove to freely pass out to the exterior.

Abstract: A slack adjusting brake cylinder for use in a fluid brake unit of a railway transit vehicle having a brake piston slidably mounted on a support rod within a brake cylinder receiving cavity of the brake unit. A plurality of friction/load rings are slidably mounted on the support rod, a first side of which serves as an abutment stop to limit the extent of return of the brake piston along the support rod. The friction/load rings are tightly engaged on the support rod so that they are slidable only in response to fluid brake pressure forces. A spring loaded compression member is engaged with a second side of the friction/load rings, and is partially compressed between the brake piston and the friction/load rings when the brake piston is advanced outwardly on the support rod in response to activation of the brake unit, and functions to return the brake piston into engagement with the friction/load rings when the brake unit is deactivated.

Abstract: An improved brake linkage system for a railway car, especially a hopper car, having an air cylinder actuated to move a cylinder lever. The cylinder lever is directly connected to a floating operating lever by a slack adjuster which can be made substantially shorter, lighter and less expensive than slack adjusters of prior art systems. With respect to the prior art, the present invention permits use of less linkages, shorter linkages and lighter linkages, thus making the overall linkage system lighter, less expensive and more efficient.

Abstract: A slack adjuster adapted for use in railroad truck car braking mechanisms. The slack adjuster compensates for wear of the truck car brake shoes by automatically adjusting the length of travel of the brake cylinder piston rod as the shoes wear. The slack adjuster of this invention includes a linkage connected between the air cylinder piston rod and one end of the slack adjuster. The invention also includes a bolster mounted linkage stabilizer which interconnects the other end of the slack adjuster, the brake lever, and the piston rod to eliminate oscillation of the piston rod during operation.

Abstract: A railway brake actuator which provides both service and parking braking comprises a cylinder having an operating cavity. A piston assembly in the operating cavity has a stepped bore forming second and third cavities and is extended by hydraulic pressure and retracted by a spring to apply and release the service brake. Hydraulic pressure extends a hollow parking brake piston from the second cavity to extend the piston assembly and apply the parking brake. A one-way clutch comprising ramps and rollers locks the piston in parking brake applied position. Hydraulic pressure disables the clutch to enable spring retraction of the parking brake piston and the piston assembly to release the parking brake. A gripper ring on the piston assembly operates between cylinder abutments to limit piston assembly retraction to provide slack, and enables slippage on the piston assembly on extension to adjust for brake wear.

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: A sealing arrangement, particularly for a rail vehicle slack adjuster, between a generally tubular housing (7) and a rod (1), which is axially and rotatably movable relative thereto, has a cup (10) engaging the rod with a sealing ring (11) so as to be movable with the rod. This cup extends along the rod over the free end of the housing so as to form a type of labyrinth sealing. The cup is preferably provided with a protective and guiding internal ring (12) cooperating with the housing.

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 improved single manual brake operating system for connecting the brake equipment of a plurality of wheeled railroad freight car trucks. The system provides for initial rapid takeup of slack in the linkages interconnecting the braking mechanisms for several trucks and thereafter supplies force with a greater mechanical advantage as the brake shoes are forced against the wheels of the railway car. This variably applied take-up force is accomplished using a system of noncircular sheaves to which flexible portions of the handbrake operating linkage are attached in such a manner that initial rotation of the take-up sheave provides a relatively long effective lever arm to take up slack in the interconnecting linkages, and thereafter provides a shorter effective lever arm for application of tension through the interconnecting linkages.

Abstract: A slack adjuster has a non-rotatable fast-threaded output member (19) threadedly engaged by a pair of nuts (20, 21), one of the nuts being a first brake-force-transmitting nut (20) clutchable to prevent rotation thereof and the other being a second adjustment nut (21) clutchable to land. Relative axial movement of these nuts relative to the output member (19) is a measure of "excessive" brake clearance and restoration of the normal spacing between these nuts serves to restore brake clearance to "normal". The nuts (20, 21) are housed in a housing (8) which is non-rotatable but axially movable with respect to the output member (19). The first nut (20) is clutchable to a thrust member (26) resiliently loaded with a force which is overcome only by forces of the magnitude of braking forces transmitted through the slack adjuster.

Abstract: An improved single manual brake operating system for connecting the brake equipment of a plurality of wheeled railroad freight car trucks. The system provides for initial rapid takeup of slack in the linkages interconnecting the braking mechanisms for several trucks and thereafter supplies force with a greater mechanical advantage as the brake shoes are forced against the wheels of the railway car. This variably applied take-up force is accomplished using a system of noncircular sheaves to which flexible portions of the handbrake operating linkage are attached in such a manner that initial rotation of the take-up sheave is accomplished through a relatively long effective axis of rotation of the sheave and thereafter through a shorter effective axis of rotation.

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: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.

Abstract: An actuator assembly incorporates a strut assembly of which the effective length is adjustable to compensate for wear of a friction lining and through which a brake-applying force is transmitted to a braking member, and an adjuster mechanism arranged in parallel with the strut assembly. The adjuster mechanism is arranged in parallel with the strut assembly and incorporates a spring in which energy is adapted to be stored. The mechanism is adapted to receive a signal dependent upon movement of the strut assembly in a brake-applying direction, and is also adapted to apply an adjusting force to the strut assembly in response to energy released from the spring when the brake is itself released.

Abstract: A rail vehicle disc brake arrangement is provided with a brake cylinder (8-10), a slack adjuster (14), and pad holders (3, 4) with brake pads (5, 6) on either side of a disc (7) to be braked. In order to attain a compact and cheap but forceful and reliable arrangement the brake cylinder (8-10), the slack adjuster (14) of pulling type and a first pad holder (3) with brake pad (5) are combined to a unit (1). The unit has a bracket (16), to which a brake lever (2) is pivotally attached. The opposite end of this lever is provided with a pivotal second pad holder (4) with brake pad (6), whereas the slack adjuster is connected to an intermediate point thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a handbrake system for a railway car, such as an articulated car, having at least first, second and third trucks, each truck having a handbrake mechanism. The system comprises a handbrake and a force distributor including an input branch and first and second output branches. The system further comprises a first linkage connecting the handbrake to the input branch for moving the distributor when the handwheel is turned, a second linkage from the first output branch to the brake mechanism of the first truck, an automatic slack adjuster, a third linkage from the second output branch to the slack adjuster, a fourth linkage from the slack adjuster to the brake mechanism of the second truck, and a fifth linkage from the slack adjuster to the brake mechanism of the third truck.

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 snow brake control system in which application of the snow brake pressure during release of a normal brake application is withheld for a duration sufficient to assure movement of the vehicle brake apparatus from a brake application position to a release position, to thereby cause automatic slack adjuster action to take place. In one embodiment, operation of a piloted pneumatic valve is delayed by restricting the exhaust of pressure from a volume reservoir via a choke to thereby momentarily withhold the connection of snow brake control pressure to one inlet of a double check valve that is subject at its opposite inlet to normal brake control pressure. The double check valve is effective to connect the predominant one of the pressures at its opposite inlets to a relay valve to produce brake pressure. In a second embodiment, the double check valve is eliminated and the pilot pneumatic valve controls the connection of either snow brake or normal brake control pressure to the relay valve.

Abstract: A railway vehicle braking system is provided with snow-brake control means operable in freezing temperatures for overriding the normal full brake release condition in a vehicle coasting or traction situation to apply a small brake force for prolonged periods to engage blocks or shoes on the vehicle wheels to reduce icing. The snow brake control means itself includes an override arrangement for, from time-to-time, effecting complete but temporary release of such a snow brake application so as to enable whatever slack adjustment is necessary to thereby insure continued validity of the brakes for a service application despite brake wear resulting from prolonged snow brake application.

Abstract: A "snow brake" control system for a railway vehicle in which an electronic timing circuit is operative in response to the operator's brake valve device being moved to its brake release position to provide an output signal that acts through a relay switch to deenergize a magnet valve that normally interrupts communication of "snow brake" control pressure to the system relay valve in order to withhold "snow brake" operation for a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow the vehicle brake units to release the brakes and thereby effect operation of the brake unit slack adjuster mechanism. When the time period expires, the timing circuit output signal disappears and the magnet valve becomes energized to reestablish "snow brake" control pressure during the remainder of the brake release period to maintain a light brake application in effect.

Abstract: Truck mounted brake apparatus comprising a saddle which clamps onto the bolster of a railway car truck and which carries a fluid actuable, piston and cylinder assembly at one side of the bolster. A first lever connected at one end to the piston rod and at the opposite end to a standard brake beam is also connected intermediate its ends to one end of an automatic slack adjuster which passes through the bolster. A second lever is connected at one end to the saddle at the side thereof opposite to the side on which the piston and cylinder assembly is mounted, is connected at its opposite end to another standard brake beam and is connected intermediate its ends to the opposite end of the slack adjuster. The first lever has an extension to which a hand brake may be connected.

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 brake cylinder piston at its outer end is connected to a horizontal brake lever extending transversely of the car, which is connected generally at its mid-point to a first brake beam. The opposite end of the horizontal lever is connected to a first end of a slack adjuster which extends longitudinally and parallel to the brake cylinder. The opposite end of the slack adjuster is connected to a first end of a second horizontal lever. The opposite end of the second horizontal lever opposite the slack adjuster is fulcrumed to a fixed portion of the car. After the first brake beam engages its railway wheels, further outward movement of the piston rod pivots the first horizontal lever about this pivot point and moves the slack adjuster longitudinally of the car and in turn pivots the second horizontal lever about its fulcrum point.

Abstract: A weight transfer rail traction vehicle adapted for travel on alternate sets of rail or road wheels which is characterized by a number of features including: a spring and shock absorber system which cooperate to maintain the springs, while in a rail travel mode, in an active condition despite substantial weight transfer loads being placed thereon; a hydraulic system which enables the differential axles to be optionally spring supported to the frame or in a rigid fixed relationship therewith; a differential axle suspension system wherein the spring supported axle moves in a substantially vertical plane without lateral shifting; a shock absorbing coupler; a coupler mounting arrangement which includes a coupler carriage directly mounted to a lateral frame member of the vehicle which serves as a guideway for directing travel of the coupler carriage and hence the coupler mounted thereto in a horizontal direction and wherein the coupler itself is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the coupler carriage; a

Abstract: A clasp brake rigging is provided with an axially acting brake regulator coupled between a pivotable control lever and a rigging pull rod opposite the dead brake lever. The control lever at an intermediate position is coupled by an adjustable length link to the live brake lever at the coupling position with its brake block assembly.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operable brake cylinder device including a self-adjusting portion for automatically compensating for brake pad wear and maintaining a constant clearance between the brake pad and the braking surface of a vehicle wheel in the released disposition of the brakes.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.

Abstract: An improved single manual brake operating system for connecting the brake equipment of a plurality of wheeled railroad freight car trucks. The system provides for initial rapid takeup of slack in the linkages interconnecting the braking mechanisms for several trucks and thereafter supplies force with a greater mechanical advantage as the brake shoes are forced against the wheels of the railway car. This variably applied take-up force is accomplished using a system of noncircular sheaves to which flexible portions of the handbrake operating linkage are attached in such a manner that initial rotation of the take-up sheave is accomplished through a relatively long effective axis of rotation of the sheave and thereafter through a shorter effective axis of rotation.