Railway Patents (Class 188/33)
  • Patent number: 11248405
    Abstract: A brake module for a drive system, in particular for doors, including at least one thrust washer and at least one brake disc, wherein the at least one thrust washer and the at least one brake disc each have at least one friction surface rubbing against each other during braking operation is provided. The embodiments also relate to a drive system, in particular for doors, including such a brake module. The embodiments further relate to a production method for a brake module of the abovementioned type. Known brake modules have a high variation in the braking force on the one hand in the course of their service life and on the other hand as a function of the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: STABILUS GMBH
    Inventors: Marcel Schmengler, Magnus Hümmerich, Sergei Mazepa
  • Patent number: 9944302
    Abstract: A handbrake operating linkage for a railroad tank car, in which a hand wheel used to provide tension in the linkage is located on a lateral side of the car body, near an end of the car and at a height permitting a person standing on the ground alongside the tank car to set the handbrake. The hand wheel is located on the car at an end of the car opposite the end at which an airbrake cylinder-and-piston assembly is located, and the linkage extends from an airbrake cylinder lever to the hand wheel by way of a direction-reversing lever and a bell crank, avoiding a requirement for parts of the linkage to pass through direction-changing sheave wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Gunderson LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Saxton, Kristofer M. Heitmeyer
  • Patent number: 9026281
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the status of a railcar handbrake having a hand operated handle, which device has a load bearing member configured to be inserted in the linkage of a railcar handbrake system so that the force applied to the brake system passes through the load bearing member. A strain gauge mounted on the load bearing member measures the strain. The information from the strain gauge is indicative of the force applied by the handbrake to the brake and is used to determine the status of the handbrake. Means for determining motion of the railcar is also provided. In one form, if it is determined that the brake is on and the railcar is in motion, information, such as an alarm, is transmitted. A system and method of monitoring a railcar handbrake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Amstead Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Murphy, Andrew Martin, Jeevan Robinson
  • Patent number: 8939488
    Abstract: A rail wheel with a wheel body and wheel brake discs connected thereto with fastening elements on both sides is designed in such a way that at least in the respective contact regions of the wheel brake discs a mechanically and thermally highly resilient intermediate layer is arranged on the wheel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Xaver Wirth, Christian Mosbach
  • Publication number: 20140151162
    Abstract: A parking brake for a railway vehicle includes a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder wall, a first wall opposite a second wall, and a piston movable within the pneumatic cylinder. At least one spring extends between the piston and the second wall for biasing the piston against the first wall. A gear box is fixed relative to the second wall and includes a hand wheel. A spindle is operatively connected to the gear box to affect movement of a manual reset mechanism having a threaded shaft and a ball screw nut rotatably engaged with the threaded shaft. A pushrod is connected to the manual reset mechanism and extends through the cylinder and the first wall. When the hand wheel is rotated, the manual reset mechanism is rotated to cause the pushrod to move relative to the piston corresponding to the direction of the rotation of the hand wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Peter D. Mathern, Joseph Michael Dixon
  • Publication number: 20140138190
    Abstract: A quick brake assembly for a high-speed train, a high-speed car, aircraft, and a high-speed motorcycle. The quick brake assembly includes at least one lifting device providing on a bottom portion of a corresponding vehicle, at least one air braking device mounting on a predetermined position of the corresponding vehicle, and at least one nozzle braking device mounting on a bottom portion of the corresponding vehicle. The lifting device includes a braking member having a zigzag cross section. The nozzle baking device includes a nozzle having a flat nozzle head, wherein the nozzle braking device is arranged to store a predetermined amount of braking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Zhonghua Li, Yuhua Huang
  • Patent number: 8646582
    Abstract: The rail clamp includes a carriage having an actuator frame mounted to its base so as to extend upwardly from the base. Springs are mounted in the actuator frame at the upper end of the carnage. An actuator is mounted between the base and the springs. A wheel is mounted on a wheel support. The wheel engages the rail. At least one suspension frame is pivotally mounted to the carriage and at an opposite end, to the wheel support. The actuator operates on the suspension frame so as to elevate the carriage. A pair of clamping levers is pivotally mounted to the base of the carriage. Brake shoes mount on the lower-most ends of the levers. The levers are pivotable so as to clamp their lower-most ends together when their upper ends are moved apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hillmar Industries Limited
    Inventors: Ian W. Bourhill, Igor Berliant
  • Patent number: 8604807
    Abstract: Operative monitoring of track brakes involves passing an electric current through a winding of a brake magnet, measuring the electric current and comparing the temporal progression of the measured current with a saved temporal progression of a reference current. Comparison is achieved by calculating the difference between the measured current and the reference current. The difference between measured current and reference current may be temporally integrated and compared with a threshold value. To determine a magnetic coupling between track brake and track, a calculation may be made as to whether the measured current has local minima and/or local maxima during the activation of the track brake, only the temporal progression of the measured current as the current increases being subjected to a comparison with the reference current. The current may be activated in pulses, with the comparison of the measured current and the reference current being restarted with each pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Josef Datzreiter, Franz Daxecker, Peter Schlager
  • Patent number: 8584551
    Abstract: Chain tension sensing device includes a hollow enclosure, a sensor mounted in a stationary position within enclosure and a member mounted for a reciprocal movement in a substantially linear direction relative to the sensor. The member includes a chain engaging first portion, a second portion mounted for reciprocal movement and a sensor target disposed on a distal end of the second portion. A compressible resilient member is mounted in abutting engagement with at least a rear surface of the first portion. Chain take-up attains tension thereon generating force and moving the member towards the sensor so as to position the sensor target in operative sensing alignment therewith. Chain let-up causes the compressible resilient member to move the member in an opposite direction, removing the sensor target from the operative sensing alignment with the sensor. Sensor generates a control signal in response to sensing or not sensing the sensor target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp
    Inventors: Peter Gregar, Jonathon Marlow
  • Patent number: 8556044
    Abstract: A railway vehicle truck mounted brake rigging includes spaced apart first and second brake beams, a horizontally disposed first transfer lever having a pivotal connection with one brake beam and further having an upturned flange, a link seated horizontally on the shoulder, a horizontally disposed second transfer lever having a pivotal connection with another brake beam, a first force-transmitting member passing through the first opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with each of the link and the second transfer lever, the pivotal connection is offset in a vertical direction from a horizontal plane defined by the first transfer lever, and a second force-transmitting member passing through the second opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with opposed ends of the respective first and second transfer levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathon Marlow, Peter Gregar
  • Patent number: 8307955
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Howard R. Sommerfeld, Scott Natschke
  • Patent number: 8235185
    Abstract: A molded brake shoe formed of friction material with or without a metal backing. Along at least a portion of at least one side surface of the brake shoe there is a layer of the molded friction material reinforced with a fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: RFPC Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Formolo
  • Patent number: 8172045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ellcon National, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Michel
  • Patent number: 8033367
    Abstract: An axial damper for elements having a cylindrical, rectangular or squared section, includes two identical fixing clamps, each fixing clamp including an upper part and a lower part connected to each other by a clamping device to be wound around the elements. At least two rafter-tie-rods are each connected at two ends thereof to the clamps. The rafter-tie-rods are placed equidistant from each other in the case of more than two rafter-tie-rods. The damper also includes two damping systems, each including two or more blocks of elastomeric material, with a pre-compressed elastic element interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Minola
  • Patent number: 8033533
    Abstract: An air spring actuated brake assembly for a railway vehicle braking system is provided which comprises an air spring disposed between a mounting member for attachment to the rigid structure of the braking system and a push rod attached thereto for longitudinal movement in an outward direction upon actuation thereof to initiate a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The air spring actuated brake assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Additionally the air spring actuated brake assembly of the invention allows for the visual inspection and simple replacement of an inflatable spring should an air leak in the actuator occur. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the air spring actuator of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Gary L. Voong, Eric S. Graves, Frank E. Tinch
  • Publication number: 20110108374
    Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Derick Call, Steven R. Newton, Lawrence E. Vaughn, Jeffrey F. Sauter, Howard E. Huber, JR.
  • Patent number: 7878309
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ellcon National, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Michel, Robert Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7866449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic rail brake device of a railway vehicle, including a magnetic base or carrier element, and a magnetic coil which can be connected to a voltage source by means of a connecting mechanism that is on the base or carrier element and is provided with at least two electrical terminals. An end face of the connecting mechanism is disposed within an imaginary enveloping area of the base or carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Herrmann Koidl, Lothar Schmied, Richard Rathhammer, Stefan Haas
  • Publication number: 20100294848
    Abstract: The invention is a hybrid wheel apparatus with a hybrid roadway apparatus that greatly reduces the energy lost due to rolling resistance where operation is on the hybrid roadway, but the system is configured to allow operation on conventional roads as needed. The hybrid wheel system is a steel wheel used in combination with a rubber tired wheel. The hybrid roadway is a low profile steel rail fixed to the otherwise conventional road surface, which is preferably concrete but could also be the very common asphalt composition. Where roadways are appropriately equipped with rails, the rail top surface is elevated over the roadway surface, and dimensions are set so that most of load force is carried on the steel wheel for general forward travel. Where the rail is absent the load is carried on the rubber tire, and the steel wheel is elevated above the roadway surface such that contact between the steel wheel and the roadway is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Kenneth Bullis
  • Publication number: 20100230216
    Abstract: A brake device is disclosed for rail vehicles. In at least one embodiment, the brake device includes an electromagnetic spring pressure brake, the brake force being applied by an elastic force to the part to be braked and a magnetic arrangement being provided for neutralizing the brake force. The magnetic arrangement counteracts the elastic force and consists of a coil arrangement and an armature place that are mobile in relation to each other, the mobile part being connected to the brake element that impinges the part to be braked. The brake device for a rail vehicle according to at least one embodiment of the invention allows a high brake force and short reaction times and is very compact. For this purpose, the mobile part is connected to an axially displaceable plunger which on one end can be impinged upon with the elastic force and which is connected on the other end to the brake element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Fuchs, Lars Lowenstein
  • Patent number: 7757825
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ellcon National, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Michel
  • Patent number: 7731303
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Ronald Henry
  • Patent number: 7625030
    Abstract: In order to reduce torsional vibrations and wheel slip in a wheel set for a rail vehicle the wheel set comprising a pair of wheels connected by an axle is provided with a vibration absorbing device comprising a mass, resiliently mounted on the wheel set and adapted to oscillate at the resonant frequency of torsional vibrations of the wheel/axle system. A method of preventing or reducing torsional vibrations in a wheel set of a rail vehicle is also disclosed, the method comprising determining the resonant frequency of torsional vibrations of the wheel/axle system and resiliently mounting a vibration absorbing device in the form of a mass, on the wheel set, the mass and its resilient mounting being selected to oscillate at or near that resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation
    Inventors: Guido Bieker, Heinz Dieter Dörner
  • Publication number: 20080251327
    Abstract: A brake system for a rail vehicle including a brake cylinder having a housing, a port on the housing for receiving fluid pressure signals, a pressure piston carried inside the housing, and a shaft connected to the pressure piston. The pressure piston and the shaft form an actuator to apply and release the brakes of the rail vehicle. A parking brake locking mechanism is connected to the actuator and is responsive to fluid signals from a fluid charged brake pipe to lock and unlock the parking brake locking mechanism. Further included is a manual release device configured to unlock the parking brake locking mechanism from the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Simon Czypionka
  • Publication number: 20080223669
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Wajih Kanjo
  • Publication number: 20080202868
    Abstract: A linkage interconnecting a brake rod with a brake lever in a brake system of a railroad freight car. A length of chain extends from an end of the brake rod, and a monolithic connecting link interconnects an opposite end of the length of chain with a brake lever, so that the brake lever can be moved by pulling the rod, and yet the brake lever is free to move toward the rod if the handbrake system is not in use to keep the brakes applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Kris Heitmeyer
  • Publication number: 20080190713
    Abstract: Derailment control system for railway vehicles that, in addition to detecting and issuing a warning of said derailment, provides control over the brake of the derailed vehicle or vehicles and provides additional emergency braking and/or a warning to the driver's cab, said system having a main unit (1) to which are joined: an inertia sensor or detector (8) designed to detect derailments, an indicator (9) or device responsible for indicating that the derailment control system has been triggered and for keeping the system activated, a stopcock (10) that deactivates the derailment control, and a bottom connection point (11) for testing that makes it possible to simulate a triggering of the system via a threaded eyebolt, facilitating verification of proper operation both during bench testing and when the system is installed on the vehicle (7), and a device (39) situated at the exhaust outlet through which the automatic brake pipe (ABP)(5) is vented when said derailment is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: AMETSIS, INGENIERIA Y ASESORIA TECNICA, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Martin Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20080179144
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Howard Sommerfeld, Jonathon Marlow, Michael J. Moriarity, Wajih Kanjo, David Meyer, Bradley Anderson, Michael Ring
  • Patent number: 7341128
    Abstract: A brake rigging for a railway vehicle having a singular truck-mounted brake apparatus for generating a braking force and a plurality of disk caliper assemblies for applying the braking force to each wheel. Wedge-like elements are rigidly attached to the braking beams of the truck-mounted brake apparatus and engage a pair of rollers that are pivotably mounted on corresponding ends of a pair of pivoted levers disposed within a disk caliper assembly. The wedge-like elements transmit a generated braking force to the levers, the rocking of which in opposite directions is effective to force the brake shoes against the respective opposite sides of a disc brake rotor to exert the braking force thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, James M. Zemyan, Michael J. Moriarity
  • Patent number: 7261189
    Abstract: A braking system of a rail vehicle includes a parking brake device having a gearing. The gearing converts a rotating movement initiated by rotation-actuating devices into an application of movement of at least one pressure-medium-operated cylinder piston drive. Also, included is at least one universal-joint shaft connecting the rotation-actuating devices with a gearing input of the gearing. The gearing input is disposed in the direct vicinity of the at least one piston cylinder drive and is connected to a nut screw drive converting a rotating movement at a gearing output of the gearing to a linear movement of a piston of the at least one cylinder piston drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Kerscher, Erich Fuderer
  • Patent number: 7249659
    Abstract: An actuator responsive to fluid signals to retract and extend a piston. The actuator includes a cylinder and a pressure piston carried inside the cylinder. Also included is a shaft, and a rod connected to the pressure piston. The actuator further includes a first port for receiving a fluid pressure to move the pressure piston to a first position. The actuator also has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first and second surface, and both surfaces are movable in response to the fluid pressure at the first port. The surfaces lock the pressure piston in a first position upon removal of the fluid pressure at the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Jr., Jeffrey F. Sauter, Robert L. Neulieb, Steven R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7216940
    Abstract: An apparatus engageable with a railway vehicle truck-mounted braking system for compensating for truck bolster movement which includes at least one force transmitting wedge member movable in a reciprocating motion by a pneumatic actuator. The at least one force transmitting wedge member engage rollers rotateably attached to a return push rod member disposed within the truck-mounted braking system for extending the return push rod member to reduce brake shoe clearance prior to brake shoe application. A method for compensating for truck bolster movement also includes fully pressurizing a wedge actuator prior to pressurizing the main brake apparatus actuator. Depressurization of the system returns the force transmitting wedges and return push rod to their original positions upon completion of brake application, subsequently increasing brake shoe clearance for allowable truck bolster movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 7156471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 7140477
    Abstract: A parking brake for a rail vehicle can automatically lock the rail vehicle brakes in an applied position, such as by clamping the brake cylinder push rod to prevent retraction from an applied position to a release position. An actuator can operate the parking brake, and a manual release can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Engle, James E. Hart, Jason Connell, Joseph Pollono, Andrew Marko
  • Patent number: 7021430
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 7011190
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Moriarity, Howard Sommerfeld, David C. Brabb, Anand Prabhakaran
  • Patent number: 6971488
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, James M. Zemyan
  • Patent number: 6902042
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Scott Natschke, Robert Herron
  • Patent number: 6854570
    Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a rail vehicle can lock the rail vehicle brakes in an applied position, such as by blocking the brake cylinder piston push rod from moving from an applied position to a release position. A control mechanism can be provided to remotely operate the automatic parking brake. A manual release can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Connell
  • Patent number: 6848754
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Scott L. Natschke
  • Publication number: 20040226779
    Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a rail vehicle can lock the rail vehicle brakes in an applied position, such as by blocking the brake cylinder piston push rod from moving from an applied position to a release position. A control mechanism can be provided to remotely operate the automatic parking brake. A manual release can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Connell
  • Publication number: 20040215376
    Abstract: A method of controlling a train for a crew change and includes collecting information on the train including weight and length of the train, special weight distribution, number and location of cars with cut-out or inoperative brakes, status of dynamic brakes on all locomotives, if brake test is required, and prior train brake problems. The information is stored as a report and displayed at a crew change. The train is disabled until the crew has accepted the report.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 6789855
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Herron
  • Publication number: 20040134721
    Abstract: A tension applying device including a housing in which are mounted a primary shaft, a main shaft, a pinion shaft, and a load-member sheave shaft. A ratchet handle is associated with the primary shaft for imparting rotation thereto when pumped by a user. Rotation of the primary shaft causes rotation of the main shaft which, in turn, is imparted to the pinion shaft and to a load-member sheave mounted on the load-chain sheave shaft. Rotation of the load-member sheave then applies tension to the load member which, in turn, is connected to a desired application. The tension applying device further includes a plurality of drive mechanisms for achieving different mechanical advantages between the ratchet handle and the load-member sheave, thereby allowing a desired input force to attain a desired output force. Further, the load on the tension member may be used for automatically switching between the plurality of drive mechanisms and for a load limit lock-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ALSTOM TRANSPORTATION, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Robbins, Robert J. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040112691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet track braking device (1) comprising a magnetic base and/or support body and a pole shoe section containing a magnetic flow guiding area and a magnetic flow separating area. The invention is characterised in that the magnetic base and or support body is made from materials having different magnetic characteristics, so that an increase in induction in the gap between the magnet track brake and the rail head (3) is prevented when erosion occurs in the pole shoe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl
  • Patent number: 6709068
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Herron
  • Patent number: 6702073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 6698552
    Abstract: The present invention is a parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder and a piston in the brake cylinder responsive to forces to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake further includes at least one off-center connecting rod extending though an opening in the brake cylinder and connected to the piston through that opening. The parking brake also includes a force multiplier supported by the brake cylinder and connected to the at least one off-center connecting rod. Further included is an actuator connected to the force multiplier for driving the force multiplier to provide the force to move the at least one rod and the piston to move the brakes to an apply position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Jr., Jeffrey F. Sauter, Zdzislaw Samulak, Lyle Jantzi, Jerry Peck, Steven R. Newton
  • Publication number: 20040035648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for driving at least one wheel drive shaft, in particular of a wheelset axle, in particular a cross-drive for use in rail vehicles with a driving engine and a transmission assembly coupled thereto; the output of the transmission assembly is formed by a hollow shaft which is coupled to the wheel drive shaft, in particular the wheelset axle, via an articulated coupling; with a braking system. The invention is defined by the following features: the braking system comprises two braking subsystems; a first braking subsystem and a second braking subsystem; the braking subsystems are embodied as disk brake systems, each comprising at least one brake disk; an attachment flange of the brake disk of a braking subsystem is embodied in integral fashion with the hollow shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Reusch, Frieder Denteler, Harald Kamper
  • Patent number: 6619452
    Abstract: A hand brake front housing for a railroad car hand brake mechanism. Such hand brake front housing comprising a front casing for enclosing pre-selected portions of a hand brake mechanism. The front casing having a front wall of a predetermined size and shape. A bearing mount integrally formed to the front wall of such front casing. The bearing mount having a predetermined size and shape to retain a predetermined arrangement of a bearing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brabb, Wajih Kanjo