Abstract: An overload protection device for a truck-mounted railcar brake assembly, comprising a body member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cavity of a predetermined size and shape disposed within the body member. A compression member of a predetermined size, shape, material, and load rating is compressed to a predetermined initial load and disposed within the cavity of the body member. A first means is secured to and disposed on the first end of the body member for engagement with a portion of a brake assembly. A second means is disposed on the second end of the body member for attaching to a force-transmitting member. A first portion of the second means is engageable with the compression member for transmitting an excess force generated from such railcar brake assembly to the compression member, whereby the overload protection device will compensate for a potential railcar brake overload condition.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking body for a rail car, especially a brake block or disk brake pad, comprising a supporting body with recesses and friction material elements arranged in the recesses. The friction material elements form a friction surface with the supporting body and are mounted with elastic or tilting elements such that the frictional material elements can move in the longitudinal direction of the recesses and adapt themselves to the running surface of a rail wheel.

Abstract: An overload protection device for a truck-mounted railcar brake assembly, comprising a body member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cavity of a predetermined size and shape disposed within the body member. A compression member of a predetermined size, shape, material, and load rating is compressed to a predetermined initial load and disposed within the cavity of the body member. A first means is secured to and disposed on the first end of the body member for engagement with a portion of a brake assembly. A second means is disposed on the second end of the body member for attaching to a force-transmitting member. A first portion of the second means is engageable with the compression member for transmitting an excess force generated from such railcar brake assembly to the compression member, whereby the overload protection device will compensate for a potential railcar brake overload condition.

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

Abstract: A fluid parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder with a first piston responsive to fluid signals to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake includes a housing having a second piston in the housing and which is coupled to the first piston. An apply port in the housing receives a pressure signal to move the second piston to an apply position. A locking clutch is provided for locking the second piston in the applied position.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly for a railway truck is provided. The truck includes at least two wheel axle sets and brake discs mounted to the wheel axle sets. Extending between the wheel axle sets is a longitudinally extending truck frame. Also extending between the wheel axle sets and supporting the truck frame via primary springs are equalizer beams that further extend beyond the wheel sets and through an opening in the truck frame. Disc brake calipers are mounted to the equalizer beams with the caliper engaging the brake discs of the wheel sets. The assembly results in the brake discs and calipers being unsprung. In other words, the brake discs and calipers do not move relative to each other.

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

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

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

Abstract: A spring applied parking brake assembly for a railroad vehicle braking system is provided for an automatic application of the parking brake in the absence of an air source. The spring applied parking brake assembly comprises a cylindrical casing containing a piston assembly. The piston assembly is mounted for longitudinal movement within the casing upon the application and/or removal of pneumatic pressure to the piston assembly. The piston assembly is associated with a force transfer lever of the braking system so as to apply a force to this force transfer lever upon longitudinal movement of the piston assembly. At least one spring member is provided within the cylindrical casing.

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

Abstract: A brake system for a railroad vehicle having first and second brake beams, two levers pivotally mounting an actuator to the first beam and push rods connecting the levers to the second beam. The first and second brake beams each include a pair of vertically spaced beam members. The levers are mounted to the first brake beam in the space between the beam members to pivot in a plane offset from a center plane of the space. Also, the first and second push rods are mounted to the second brake beam in the space between the beam members to pivot in a plane also offset from the center plane of the space.

Abstract: A braking device for limiting the travel of an overhead crane traveling over rails temporarily increases its traveling resistance until it stops. The braking device includes at least one brake shoe which is mounted on the overhead crane and can be pressed against the rails with a force up to a level equivalent to the weight of the overhead crane. The brake shoe can be forcibly caused to move from a resting position a certain distance away from the rail into a braking position, in which the side of the brake shoe or shoes facing the rail can be pressed against the rail.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for a railcar hand brake comprises a release shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a cavity of a predetermined size and shape. A release lever has a hub journaled on the first end of the release shaft. A stop of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the circumference of the hub of the release lever and engageable with the cavity of the release shaft to rotate such release shaft to cause free release of the brakes. A projection of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the second end of the release shaft. An attachment of a predetermined size and shape is mounted to an inside wall of a housing of such hand brake. A tension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the projection, and the second end is secured to the attachment whereby the tension member will return the release shaft to the brake application position.

Abstract: A brake actuator for use in railway transit and similar vehicles to adjust for wear of braking components located on such vehicles. The brake actuator includes an externally threaded or serrated rod having a longitudinal axis. Such brake actuator further includes power and slack adjusting collets disposed on the rod and located in respective housings disposed about the collets and rod. A yoke member is disposed about and in engagement with the power collet housing and a first axially translatable bearing is disposed on the yoke member. A second fixed bearing is spaced from the axially translatable bearing and a piston is disposed for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The piston has an integral fork-shaped wedge disposed astraddle the threaded or serrated rod for movement to a location between the bearings.

Abstract: An articulated railcar has several well car units for carrying shipping containers, highways trailers, or a combination of the two. The well car units permit the nose of a long highway trailer to overhang the articulated connection between two adjacent cars. A brake valve is located in a relief formed in the main bolster of one of the articulated units, out of the way of the overhanging trailer. Each well car unit has a side beam having a roll formed top chord reinforced by a top chord plate, a downwardly extending web, and a lower sill formed of a thick angle. The service, or auxiliary, and emergency brake reservoirs are mounted in a saddle bag configuration to the outside face of the webs of the opposite side beams of the articulated unit, tucked underneath the reinforced roll formed top chord.

Abstract: A hydraulic parking brake assembly for a railroad vehicle braking system is provided for an automatic application of the parking brake in the absence of an air source. The hydraulic parking brake assembly comprises a hydraulic actuator having a hydraulic piston and a spindle. The spindle is capable of entering a hole provided in the back surface of a pneumatic cylinder of the railroad vehicle braking system. Upon the application of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic piston and spindle move in a forwardly direction, causing the spindle to contact the piston within the pneumatic cylinder and apply a force to this pneumatic piston as if pneumatic pressure were applied within the pneumatic cylinder. Such application of force to the pneumatic piston initiates a braking sequence to achieve application of the parking brake to the railroad vehicle eliminating the need to manually apply the parking brake with a hand wheel.

Abstract: A fluid parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder with a first piston responsive to fluid signals to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake includes a housing having a second piston in the housing and which is coupled to the first piston. An apply port in the housing receives a pressure signal to move the second piston to an apply position. A detent is provided for provided for holding the second piston in the applied position.

Abstract: A power source activated handbrake release mechanism for automatically releasing a parking brake assembly for a railroad vehicle braking system is provided. The power source activated handbrake release mechanism includes a hydraulically or pneumatically activated piston assembly including a piston rod mounted for movement upon activation of a piston within the piston assembly. An elongated member is associated at one end with this piston rod such that it moves laterally with respect to a bottom surface of the piston rod upon vertical movement of this piston rod. Another end of the elongated member is secured with the release shaft of the handbrake such that the lateral movement of the elongated member results in a rotational force being applied to the release shaft causing the automatic release of the handbrake.

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: An articulated railcar has several well car units for carrying shipping containers, highways trailers, or a combination of the two. The well car units permit the nose of a long highway trailer to overhang the articulated connection between two adjacent cars. A brake valve is located in a relief formed in the main bolster of one of the articulated units, out of the way of the overhanging trailer. Each well car unit has a side beam having a roll formed top chord reinforced by a top chord plate, a downwardly extending web, and a lower sill formed of a thick angle. The service, or auxiliary, and emergency brake reservoirs are mounted in a saddle bag configuration to the outside face of the webs of the opposite side beams of the articulated unit, tucked underneath the reinforced roll formed top chord.

Abstract: A braking device for a railroad vehicle including traction bars is arranged to apply a braking pad on a braking surface affixed to a wheel of the vehicle. The braking device includes a reaction member, at least one lever arranged to cooperate with the reaction member, connecting devices between the traction bars means and the lever, the braking pad being borne by the lever to be applied on the braking surface by pivoting the lever under the action of the traction bars and of the reaction member.

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: An improved spring energy accumulators are used to actuate brake units mounted to either end of a transmission for a track laying vehicle drive train. The housing of the spring energy accumulator is directly mounted to the housing of the brake unit. The spring energy accumulators are designed to allow installation and removal of hydraulic components contained in an insert cylinder without disturbing a spring mounted highly compressed within the housing.

Abstract: A drive unit for vehicles driven on rails includes an electric drive motor. A transmission which is driven by the drive motor has a main transmission hollow drive shaft. A hollow coupling shaft supports brake surfaces. One flexible rubber coupling is connected between the hollow drive shaft and one end of the hollow coupling shaft, and another flexible rubber coupling is connected between a wheel of a wheel set and another end of the hollow coupling shaft.

Abstract: A railway car brake mechanism is comprised of a hand wheel on a shaft and a housing with a rotatable gear wheel and square chain winding disposed within. A ratchet wheel rotatable with the hand wheel shaft and a freely rotatable pinion which engages the gear wheel is also provided. The rotatable pinion has a flange with a disengageable driving connection with the gear wheel and a disengageable connection between flange and ratchet wheel. The main gear wheel and chain winding drum comprise a main gear wheel assembly. The assembly is attached by a chain end link through an interconnection of the main gear wheel and outwardly extending section of the chain winding drum. To prevent kinking or slippage of the chain, a spiral groove is formed in the square chain drum. The groove enables the chain to be wound within the drum with alternate links seated on a concave surface and intermediate links, which rest on the outer surface of the drum, to be at right angles to the aforementioned alternate links.

Abstract: A handbrake system for use with a truck-mounted, single-cylinder brake rigging including truss-type brake beams, there being a single handbrake pivotal lever supported intermediate its ends by a twisted transfer link that is, in turn, fixed to the brake rigging transfer lever. A fulcrum end of the handbrake lever is free to engage the bearing surface of a thrust block mounted on the brake beam at the juncture of the beam tension and strut members in order to allow the point of engagement between the fulcrum end and the bearing surface to change with rotation of the handbrake lever. In addition, the fulcrum end of the handbrake lever is arranged with two, spaced-apart arcuate segments that successively engage the bearing surface of the thrust block during rotation of the handbrake lever to change its lever ratio and, accordingly, limit the degree of rotation of the handbrake lever.

Abstract: The braking device has several groups of brakes (22 to 25), which can be applied separately by a control device (35) and each of which has at least one friction brake (16 to 19). The control device (35) controls the application of the groups of brakes (22 25) depending on their wear condition and temperature, such that application of the least-worn group of brakes (20 to 25) is favored, whereby the friction brakes (16 to 19) of each of the applied groups of brakes (22 to 25) quickly attain an advantageous temperature range with respect to minimum wear, and are maintained in such range. The entire braking of the rail vehicle or train (1) is always maintained in addition in agreement with a braking requirement signal for the rail vehicle or train (1). This produces equal wear of all brake shoes (20), whereby the friction brakes (16 to 19) are always operated at a temperature range most advantageous for wear and with the most wear-advantageous pressure with moderate braking strength.

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 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 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: In accordance with the present invention, a hand brake assembly (300) is mounted adjacent one end of a first car or articulated unit (303). A force dividing assembly (306) is provided on the first car, which divides the applied hand brake into a first (313) and second (321) hand brake linkages. The first hand brake linkage (313) is connected to a first air brake linkage (315) located on the first car. Preferably a portion of the first air brake linkage is located within an air brake cylinder (318). When the hand brake is applied, the first hand brake linkage (313) is effective to apply the brakes on the first car or unit through the first air brake linkage. The second hand brake linkage (321) extends from one car or unit to a second adjacent car or unit (333).

Abstract: A method for controlling car body roll in high capacity railraod freight cars, in accordance with which a hydro-pneumatic roll control unit is incorporated in the car truck spring groups that support the respective truck bolsters. The roll control unit comprises a base housing defining a lower or outer cylinder having an upstanding piston rod structure equipped with a piston head that reciprocably mounts a tubular ram having a ram head that operates in the outer cylinder and defines an upper or inner cylinder in which the base housing piston head operates. An annular rolling seal is received in circumambient relation about and connected to both cylinders invaginating leak free relation thereto, which defines an annular reservoir about said cylinders with which both cylinders have communication.

Abstract: A brake system for a railway vehicle and method of making same are provided and such brake system comprises a brake rod member, a horizontal supporting member which is adapted to support the rod member for sliding movements thereon, and an antifriction component carried by the supporting member with the component serving to minimize wear and enable antifriction movements during the sliding movements and wherein the component comprises a solid strip portion of substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration with the system further comprising at least one self-contained clip device for locking the strip portion against the supporting member and the clip device comprises a pair of resilient parallel legs and locking projections extending from the outer end portions of the parallel legs toward each other, with the clip device being disposed with the parallel legs embracing opposed vertical surfaces of the supporting member and with the projections snap locked beneath a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A rail-transportation system had a longitudinally elongated rail assembly along which extends a longitudinally moving traction element connected to a plurality of longitudinally spaced cars riding on the assembly. The rail assembly consists of upper and lower longitudinally extending rails interconnected by struts and normally formed thereby into a rigid framework or box-beam construction. The car has a car body to one transverse side of the rails, an upper wheel to the other transverse side of the rails and riding on the upper rail, and a lower wheel to the one side of the rails and bearing on the lower rail in a transverse direction opposite that of the upper wheel. The car may have inner and outer frames connected together by a parallelogrammatic linkage connected to a guide rail between the upper and lower rails to maintain a load-carrying platform of the car horizontal even when the various rails are all inclined to the horizontal.

Abstract: A railroad car is equipped with air release means in air flow communication with the car train pipe that is normally provided for connection with the air brake train line of a railroad train. Activators for the air release means are associated with respective sets of wheels, at opposite sides of respective wheel trucks of the car and at a height which will clear the corresponding rails of the railroad track during their travel but in positions to engage such rails upon derailment of any corresponding car wheel for operating the air release means, whereby the brakes of the train will be applied automatically upon any derailment. A novel air release valve with activator is preferably employed at respective opposite sides of respective wheel trucks as the air release means.

Abstract: Downwardly depending contact members are secured to the undercarriage of railroad cars and positioned inboard from the wheels of the cars and also positioned above the level at which the wheels contact the underlying tracks. These contact members are upwardly displaceable when the train derails upon contact with a rail or ground debris to release fluid pressure in the train brake system and thereby activate the brakes of all of the cars.

Abstract: A hydraulic decelerator having a waterbrake cylinder positioned within a reservoir wherein the cylinder is made up of a plurality of cylinder segments which are secured to a solid block member with four rods. The interfaces of the segments are ground and polished to provide a smooth close fit. Each segment includes bore holes in a predetermined pattern in the top and two sides with orifice or plug inserts being threaded into the holes. Internally threaded captive ring members are held between semicircular channels at the adjoining surfaces of the channels. Transition orifice inserts are threaded into the ring members. A frangible membrane is secured between the first segment and piston guide assembly secured to the first segment. The reservoir is filled with water, including a rust inhibiter, to a level of about 1/4 inch above the segmented waterbrake cylinder such as to completely fill the cylinder with water.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder motion dampening device having spiral groove metering, an orificed two-way pressure relief valve or a screw-on spring or an over-extension limiting seal retainer.A push-together method of assembling a piston and cylinder motion dampening device.A motion dampening device with a baffle chamber. A method of dampening the motion between two members utilizing a piston and cylinder motion dampening device having spiral groove means, a fixed orifice means and a two-way valve means to meter the fluid contained in the motion dampening device.

Abstract: A vibration accommodating clamp for securing pipes which carry brake lines and the like to the underframes of railway cars. The clamp is initially mounted by placing a U-shaped bolt over the pipe and through holes in a mounting bracket and permanently securing a collar on a grooved portion of one leg of the bolt. The second leg of the bolt remains unused until it is necessary to remove the clamp. The clamp is removed by cutting off the collar and reapplied by placing a nut and washer on the threaded portion of the unused leg.

Abstract: In a railway freight car an elastomeric boot is attached to the entrance and/or exit of a hollow sill or hollow structural member through which a brake rod passes. The brake rod passes through a brake rod opening in the boot in entering and/or leaving the sill or structural member, and the boot engages the brake rod sufficiently to substantially prevent moisture from passing through the boot and into the sill or structural member.

Abstract: A hydraulic snubber device and method of damping for railway trucks and more particularly a snubber adapted to be interposed between a bolster and a side frame member and being operative to provide a first damping rate when the railway car is operating on tangent track or at equilibrium speed on super elevated track and to provide a second relatively higher damping rate when the railway car is operating on super elevated track at low speed and in all instances of severe rocking.

Abstract: A method of damping relative movement between components of a railway car and more particularly a method of damping such movement which is operable only when the railway car is normally operating in a loaded condition.

Abstract: Kinetic energy shock incident to the trip release of the chain under tension of a railway car hand brake mechanism is absorbed by one or more blocks of compressible shock-absorbing solid material or by compressible shock-absorbing spring means located within the housing of the mechanism and in the path of the chain when the brake is tripped or released and the chain is prevented from winding in the wrong direction and consequently damaging the hand brake mechanism at one end of the chain and brake components at the other end of the chain.

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.