Abstract: An actuating arrangement (1) for a parking brake of a motor vehicle, having a first actuating unit (5), for manual actuation of the parking brake, and a shaft (2) for transmitting braking forces (F1, F2) to at least one wheel brake cylinder (4) of a service brake of the motor vehicle. The first actuating unit (5) is operatively connected to the shaft (2) so that, when the first actuating unit (5) is actuated, a first braking force (F1) is transmitted via the shaft (2) to the at least one wheel brake cylinder (4). The actuating arrangement (1) has a second actuating unit (7) for the controllable actuation of the parking brake. The second actuating unit (7) is operatively connected to the shaft (2) so that, when the second actuating unit (7) is actuated, a second braking force (F2) is transmitted via the shaft (2) to the wheel brake cylinder (5).

Abstract: An adjustable brake system for a railroad truck wheel frame. The system includes an elongated body secured to a railroad truck and rotatably secured to a plurality of wheels, the elongated body having a brake side pocket positioned near a wheel of the plurality of wheels; a compression bar and an extension bar extending from a first side of the elongated body to a second side of the elongated body; a strut positioned between the compression bar and the extension bar; a brake head rigidly secured to the compression bar; a protrusion extending from the brake head and configured to engage within the brake side pocket; and a cam rotatably attached to the compression bar and configured to engage within the brake side pocket.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a brake assembly for a railway truck. The railway truck includes a frame. The brake assembly includes a live lever assembly including a pair of spaced apart live levers. The brake assembly includes a dead lever assembly. The brake assembly includes a slack adjuster disposed between the live lever assembly and the dead lever assembly. The brake assembly includes a hanger lever disposed between the pair of live levers. The hanger lever is pivotally coupled to the live levers. The brake assembly further includes a connecting terminal disposed on the slack adjuster, wherein the connecting terminal is coupled to the hanger lever via a trigger rod. The brake assembly further includes a first brake shoe attached to the hanger lever and a second brake shoe attached to the dead lever assembly.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake cylinder having a piston rod and a brake lever connecting the piston rod to a brake beam and a slack adjuster. An actuating lever is connected to the brake beam and the brake cylinder. A trigger of the slack adjuster is connected to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivotally and rotationally connected to the brake beam and swivelably connected to the brake cylinder. Also, a piston stoke indictor including an indicia positioned on a support structure of a brake cylinder to be adjacent the end of a portion of a brake piston at its extended position.

Abstract: A corrective device for correcting uneven brake shoe wear on a brake mechanism for a railway vehicle, wherein the railway vehicle includes a brake beam having a tension beam coupled to a compression beam, a brake head with brake shoes provided at each end of the brake beams, and a slack adjuster. The corrective device is configured to cooperate with at least one of the compression beam and the slack adjuster to minimize or prevent the compression beam and the tension beam from rotating relative to the wheels and side frames of the railway vehicle. A braking system including the corrective device and a method for correcting uneven brake shoe wear on a brake mechanism for a railway vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A lubricating arrangement for an end guide of a railcar truck mounted brake rigging includes at least one elongated groove provided in the at least one surface of the end guide in open communication therewith, the elongated groove having a length thereof disposed generally transverse to a direction of the sliding reciprocal movement of the end guide. A lubricating member is secured within the at least one elongated groove, the lubricating member has a thickness portion thereof protruding, a predetermined height at initial installation, above the at least one surface of the end guide. The predetermined height of the protruding thickness portion is reduced during the reciprocal movement of the end guide within the channel or pocket so that material removed from the predetermined height during the reciprocal movement substantially resurfaces the at least one surface of the end guide.

Abstract: A brake beam wear liner for receiving a brake beam assembly of a railway car truck includes a base wall having an inner surface and an outer surface extending between opposite side edges, and having a base wall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The brake beam wear liner also includes sidewalls extending from the opposite side edges. The sidewalls have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a sidewall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The inner surfaces of the sidewalls and the inner surface of the base wall define an open ended trough configured to receive an end of the brake beam assembly. The brake beam wear liner also includes flanges extending outward from the sidewalls. The flanges have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a flange thickness between the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces thereof. The base wall thickness is greater than the sidewall thickness.

Abstract: A lubricating arrangement for an end guide of a railcar truck mounted brake rigging includes at least one elongated groove provided in the at least one surface of the end guide in open communication therewith, the elongated groove having a length thereof disposed generally transverse to a direction of the sliding reciprocal movement of the end guide. A lubricating member is secured within the at least one elongated groove, the lubricating member has a thickness portion thereof protruding, a predetermined height at initial installation, above the at least one surface of the end guide. The predetermined height of the protruding thickness portion is reduced during the reciprocal movement of the end guide within the channel or pocket so that material removed from the predetermined height during the reciprocal movement substantially resurfaces the at least one surface of the end guide.

Abstract: A brake beam wear liner for receiving a brake beam assembly includes a base wall extending between a rear end and front end. The base wall has opposite side edges. The base wall has a tapered thickness between the rear end and the front end with the base wall being thicker proximate to the rear end and being narrower proximate to the front end. The brake beam wear liner also includes side walls extending from the opposite side edges and flanges extending outward from the side walls generally opposite the base wall. The side walls and the base wall define an open ended trough configured to receive an end of the brake beam assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic brake device having a spindle movable in the axial direction and a yoke, on which the spindle is supported such that a rotation of the spindle is prevented. According to the invention, a first and a second yoke toothed ring having sets of teeth (8; 10) directed toward each other are connected to the yoke in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, a spindle toothed ring with sets of teeth on both sides is rigidly connected to the spindle between the two yoke toothed rings.

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.

Abstract: A brake beam wear liner for receiving a brake beam assembly of a railway car truck includes a base wall having an inner surface and an outer surface extending between opposite side edges, and having a base wall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The brake beam wear liner also includes sidewalls extending from the opposite side edges. The sidewalls have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a sidewall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The inner surfaces of the sidewalls and the inner surface of the base wall define an open ended trough configured to receive an end of the brake beam assembly. The brake beam wear liner also includes flanges extending outward from the sidewalls. The flanges have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a flange thickness between the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces thereof. The base wall thickness is greater than the sidewall thickness.

Abstract: A brake beam wear liner for receiving a brake beam assembly includes a base wall extending between a rear end and front end. The base wall has opposite side edges. The base wall has a tapered thickness between the rear end and the front end with the base wall being thicker proximate to the rear end and being narrower proximate to the front end. The brake beam wear liner also includes side walls extending from the opposite side edges and flanges extending outward from the side walls generally opposite the base wall. The side walls and the base wall define an open ended trough configured to receive an end of the brake beam assembly.

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.

Abstract: A truck mounted brake assembly wherein a brake cylinder assembly and slack adjuster each have a first end connected to a first brake beam, and a second end coupled to each other via a first lever pivotally attached to a second brake beam, such that movement of the brake beams relative to each other applies and releases the brakes. The slack adjuster can have a trigger operating slack adjustment, and a rod member can have one end connected to the first brake beam and an opposite end coupled to the trigger via a second lever pivotally attached to the second brake beam, such that movement of the brake beams relative to each other causes the rod member to operate the trigger. The trigger can be connected to the second lever in a length adjustable manner, and a piston travel indicator can be provided adjacent the brake cylinder assembly.

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.

Abstract: A hand brake lever for use on a truck mounted type railway car brake system includes a first elongated portion which is horizontally disposed when the hand brake lever is installed in such car brake system and a second elongated portion which is connected to first elongated portion and which is disposed in a generally vertical direction and at a predetermined angle so that a second end of the second elongated portion is spaced at a predetermined distance from such truck bolster when the hand brake lever is installed in such system. A plurality of apertures are formed though the first elongated portion for connecting the hand brake lever to each of a brake actuator, a brake beam, a slack adjuster trigger mechanism, and a slack adjuster mechanism. An aperture is formed through the second elongated portion for connecting hand brake chain thereto.

Abstract: A block brake device of a bogie of a rail vehicle containing two wheel sets with two wheels respectively as well as two brake beams each assigned to a wheel axle and extending parallel to the latter, which brake beams carry brake blocks and are mutually connected by way of pressing rods which can be actuated by at least one pressure-medium operated cylinder piston drive for the braking engagement of the brake blocks with assigned braking areas of the wheels. At least a portion of a brake beam forms the cylinder of the cylinder piston drive.

Abstract: A shoe brake assembly for a rail vehicle including a bogie connected with the rail vehicle. The assembly also includes a wheel having a wheel web and radially inward-facing surfaces on opposite sides of the wheel web. Also included are at least two brake pads adjacent respective radially inward-facing surfaces of the wheel and a pendulum suspension arrangement connecting the at least two brake pads to the bogie. The assembly further includes an operating device configured to move the at least two brake pads via the pendulum suspension essentially radially against respective radially inward-facing surfaces of the wheel.

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.

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

Abstract: A method of adjusting the lever ratio of the brake system by adjusting the pivot points of the lever to the beam and the actuator elements to the lever. The brake beams each include a pair of spaced beam members connected by weldments which may include actuator mounts, hand brake fulcrum plates and brake heads. The brake head is welded to a back plate welded to the beam member and may be removed from the back plate by cutting the weld therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention includes a brake beam wear plate or guide for mounting in brake beam guide brackets of railroad car truck side frames and having upper and lower walls which define a slideway for the brake beam lugs. The brake beam wear plate includes a relatively thick rubber cushioning pad on the lower wall to insulate the brake beam lug from vibration shocks and forces and thereby enhance the life of the brake beam.

Abstract: An improved car mounted brake assembly is provided wherein the brake assembly includes a brake cylinder, a slack adjuster and a pair of brake beams mounted at each end of the car mounted brake assembly and actuated by the brake cylinder via a series of levers and linkages and wherein the improvement comprises a suspension system for suspending each of the brake beams within a corresponding railway vehicle truck arrangement. Each of the brake beams have a brake head attachable to each end thereof and each of the brake heads carries a brake shoe thereon which is positioned for engagement with a respective railway vehicle wheel during a brake application. The railway vehicle truck arrangement within which the brake beams are suspended includes a pair of truck side frames and a truck bolster member.

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 hydraulic parking brake assembly for a railroad vehicle braking system comprising a hydraulic actuator capable of being mounted on or engagable with the braking system and a lever arrangement connected to the hydraulic actuator which moves in accordance with activation of the hydraulic actuator and initiates a braking sequence. The lever arrangement is associated with the force transfer lever of the air cylinder such that upon movement of the lever arrangement, a force is applied to this force transfer lever causing this force transfer lever to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to apply the appropriate forces to the push rod within the brake cylinder and to a force transmitting member within the braking system to effect activation of the parking brake assembly.

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: This invention provides an apparatus for applying proportional forces to at least two brake pads for application to rotating machinery. A member moveable parallel to a first axis has a first pivot connection having a second axis about perpendicular to the first axis, a second pivot connection having a third axis about perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis, and a third pivot connection having a fourth axis about perpendicular to the first, second, and third axes. A proportionalization lever has a length about parallel to the second and third axes, which is pivotally connected to the third pivot connection. It has a first end portion and a second end portion, with its pivot connection disposed intermediate its first end portion and its second end portion. A first brake pad positioning means for a first brake pad is pivotally connected to the first pivot connection, and a second brake pad positioning means for a second brake pad is pivotally connected to the second pivot connection.

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

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

Abstract: A brake beam wear plate for mounting in brake beam guide brackets of railroad car truck side frames having side walls of varying thicknesses to define a slideway for the brake beam lugs providing a sloppy fit and a path of movement to obtain the ideal clasping angle and alignment for the brake shoes with the wheels, and thereby produce better train handling during braking, and uniform wearing of the shoes to enhance shoe life and reduce maintenance.

Abstract: The method includes moving a piston and a force transmitting element connected to the piston to a locking position. The piston and force transmission elements are locked in the locking position which preferably is displaced from the brake released position. Preferably, the piston is locked to the housing and the force transmission elements to a brake beam. A portion of the cylinder surrounding the piston is removed from the housing which is connected to the brake beam or truck and the packing cup is replaced. The cylinder portion is then replaced on the housing and the piston and the force transmission elements are unlocked and the piston and the force transmission elements are allowed to return to their released position.

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

Abstract: A slack adjuster for use in combination with a pneumatic brake actuator cylinder wherein the slack adjuster includes a friction clutch which prevents rotation of the screw for first relative position of the piston and screw while allowing rotation of the screw for excess force on the ram pulling the screw to a relative position beyond the first relative position and opposite the relative position for normal slack adjustment in response to air actuation of the piston. A second clutch, which is a standard toothed clutch, prevents rotation of the screw for second relative position of the piston and the screw. The screw rotates between the first and second relative positions when the two clutches are unlocked to produce slack adjustment. The pulling force on the slack adjuster is produced by a hand brake on the output of the slack adjuster and independent of the piston.

Abstract: An anti-rotation extension for a railcar braking system. The extension is connected to a brake beam and rides in a frame located guide channel. The channel is preferably oriented offset from the center axis of rotation of the roller wheels. The extension preferably includes flattened portions to prevent rotation of the beam as the brakes are applied.

Abstract: A unit guide wear plate which aligns the movement of a brake beam end guide within the side frame of a railroad car truck so that the brake shoes can provide the maximum amount of force against the wheels when stopping the railroad car.

Abstract: A brake system wherein the single actuator is freely mounted to a first brake beam so as to align its force application axis with the axis of a first force transmitting rod connected at its other end to a transfer lever on a second brake beam. A second force transmitting rod connects the transfer lever back to the first brake beam. The mounts for the actuator and the transfer lever are designed for use with brake beams of dual actuator brake systems.

Abstract: Truck mounted brake apparatus includes a bracket assembly which clamps onto the bolster of a railway car truck and which includes a multiplying lever, which is connected to both a pull rod assembly and a hand brake. A truck live lever connected at one end to the pull rod assembly 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 truck dead lever is connected at one end to the bracket assembly, at the opposite end to another standard brake beam, and is connected intermediate its ends to the opposite end of the slack adjuster. One end of the multiplying lever is connected to a hand brake. A fluid actuable piston and cylinder assembly is attached to the bolster and connected to the truck live lever, where movement of the piston and movement of the hand brake actuates the brakes.

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 brake arrangement for a railroad car having a semi-closed box beam center sill and including a first aperture communicating with the interior of the center sill, a second aperture communicating with the interior of the center sill, a tie rod extending between the first and second apertures, the tie rod extending along the interior of the center sill and having a first end pivotally attached to a first lever extending through the first aperture and attached to brake linkage, and a second end pivotally attached to a second lever extending through the second aperture and attached to brake linkage.

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: A brake beam assembly for railroad cars. The brake beam includes a clevis rotatably connected to a channel member with the clevis having depending tabs which allow the clevis to be positioned in a right hand or left hand orientation. The clevis is connected to a leaf spring which is positioned in the channel member to accommodate excessive force during braking. The brake head is connected to an adaptor which allows the brake head and shoe to float and accommodate wheel wear or the misalignment of the brake beam and wheelset.

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 truss-type brake beam having a bent configuration in which the compression and tension members are bent on opposite sides of a strut member, so that the compression and tension member segments lie in separate planes that intersect to form an angle therebetween, the line of intersection being rectilinear. The bent configuration of the brake beam accommodates housing of a brake-cylinder in the pocket between the compression and tension members adjacent the strut member, facilitates passage of force-transmitting rods between the companion brake beams of a given truck, and permits application of brake beam actuating forces without imparting torque moments to the beam.

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 single-cylinder, truck-mounted brake assembly for a railway vehicle truck in which low-cost, lightweight, truss-type brake beams are employed, with one beam having the single brake cylinder mounted thereon. Force-transfer levers pivotally-mounted to the respective brake beams at the beam-midpoint are interconnected by force-transmitting members that pass through openings in the bolster to move the brake beams into brake shoe/wheel engagement when a brake application is made. The brake rigging is set up so that the transfer lever bail imparted to the force-transmitting members is split. With respect to the force-transfer lever connected to the one force-transmitting member (brake cylinder), this has the effect of the brake cylinder piston skewing equally on opposite sides of the cylinder centerline to prevent piston seal leakage.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a truck mounted brake system for double axle wheel trucks with pneumatic means operable through multiple levers to move the brake beams relative to each other. The lever system includes a double acting slack adjuster responsive to load changes to vary the braking force. Different load weights on the bolster causes it to assume different vertical positions relative to the side frames and the slack adjuster to vary in length so that uniform pressure to the pneumatic means produces higher brake pressure to the wheels of fully loaded cars and lower brake pressures to partially loaded and unloaded cars.

Abstract: A handbrake arrangement for a single cylinder, truck-mounted, railway car brake assembly comprising a lever system mounted on the body of the single brake cylinder, which is, in turn, mounted on one of a pair of truck brake beams. The lever system is connected to the handbrake chain, so that operation of the handwheel effects relative movement between the brake cylinder body and brake cylinder push rod. This results in the truck brake beams being spread apart into braking position in the same manner as occurs during a pneumatic brake application, via the respective brake beam, transfer levers and force-transmitting connecting rods that extend between the brake beams.

Abstract: A parallel beam brake apparatus for dual and triple axle trucks and a single beam brake apparatus for single axle trucks each comprise spaced, pivotably mounted bell crank levers which engage a fluid operable actuator between one pair of arms and engage a pair of push rods with the remaining arms. Improved spherical joints between the arms and the push rods facilitate force tranmsmission without allowing push rod rotation. A unique pivot geometry between the bell crank levers and the brake beams facilitates assembly and improves stress distribution between the levers and the beams. The actuator includes a slack adjustor mechanism in which a spiral power spring unwinds to drive a lead screw and take up slack or is wound by the rotating, translating lead screw to add slack.

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.