Abstract: A single-cylinder, truck-mounted brake assembly for a railway car truck in which low-cost, light-weight, truss-type brake beams are employed, with one beam having an expansible brake actuator in the form of an air bag mounted thereon. The brake rigging arrangement employs an equalizing lever that is pivotally-connected to each brake beam at its centrally-located strut bar, and force-transmitting members between the respective ends of the equalizing levers, so that the force of the brake actuator is transferred from the brake beam strut bar to the brake shoes via the beam tension member. Accordingly, the light-weight, low-cost brake beams are not subjected to such bending forces as would otherwise require a stronger beam. The single-cylinder air bag arrangement is made possible by utilizing a slack adjuster device as the one force-transmitting member.

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

Abstract: A brake cylinder lever on a railway car is supported in a substantially vertical orientation by a roller mounted on an inclined ramp to bias the brake system toward a "brake off" or nondrag condition.

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

Abstract: A lightweight, brake lever-retaining bracket which includes two arms, each of which is equipped with a stiffener to provide extended bearing surfaces for brake lever mounting pins, and a safety platform to prevent loss of brake levers in the event of brake lever retaining pin failure. A safety bolt adjustably connects both arms to minimize lateral movement of the brake lever and to maintain the brake lever in operative position in the event of retaining pin failure.

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

Abstract: A snap-on slide bearing for recessed type guide lugs of unit brake beams for mounting the unit brake beams in their railroad car truck side frame unit brake beam guide brackets, preferably in place of the conventional spring steel wear plate now generally in use, comprising a one piece body formed from an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or other suitable plastic material of dry self lubricating characteristics that is rectilinear in outline and of channel shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining a web portion and spaced apart side walls shaped and proportioned for substantially complemental but slidable seating in the side frame guide bracket in which the guide lug is to be mounted, with the inner surfacing of one of the walls of the bearing body being formed to define integral lugs that snap fit into the brake beam guide lug top surface recess for securing the bearing to the guide lug, and when the brake beam is mounted in its operating position in the side frame guide brackets adapt

Abstract: A guide bearing for mounting unit brake beams, for application to railroad car truck side frame unit brake beam guide brackets, in place of the conventional spring steel wear plate now generally used, comprising a one piece body formed from an ultra high molecular weight polymer or other plastic grades of dry self lubricating characteristics that is of elongate trough configuration defining a web portion and spaced apart side walls shaped and proportioned for force fit seating in the guide bracket, with the inner surfacings of the body side walls being formed to closely receive the brake beam guide lug to be mounted in same, to dispose the brake beam guide lug in substantial coplanar alignment with the desired brake beam movement path radially of the axle wheel to be braked, on actuation of the brakes. The inner surfacings of the body walls have a coefficient of friction with respect to steel of about 0.

Abstract: A slide bearing for attachment to U-section formed sheet metal type guide lugs of unit brake beams for mounting the unit brake beams equipped with such guide lugs in the railroad car truck side frame unit brake beam guide brackets, preferably in place of the conventional spring steel wear plate now generally in use comprising a one piece box like body, preferably formed from a polymeric material, such as UHMW polyethylene, of dry self lubricating characteristics that is rectilinear and planar in outline and of U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining a web portion and spaced apart side walls shaped and proportioned for substantially complemental but slidable seating in the side frame guide bracket in which the guide lug is to be mounted, with the side walls being closed at their end edges by integral end walls and with the inner surfacing of the side walls and the bearing body being formed to closely receive the brake beam guide lug, and with the respective body side walls each recessing in

Abstract: A snap-on slide bearing for application to U-section formed sheet metal type guide lugs of unit brake beams for mounting the unit brake beams equipped with such guide lugs in the railroad car truck side frame unit brake beam guide brackets, preferably in place of the conventional spring steel wear plate now generally in use, comprising a one piece U-shaped clip member formed from spring steel and defining spaced apart superposed congruently related parallel arms integrally joined at like ends by abridging web, with the arms at their other ends being angled toward each other to define for each such arm a locating stop spaced from the clip member web approximately the length of the the guide lugs, and with the clip member arms each having affixed to the outer surfacing of same a strip that is preferably formed from a polymeric material, such as UHMW polyethylene, which strip is rectilinear and planar in outline, which strips are shaped and proportioned for substantially complemental but slidable seating in the

Abstract: A vehicle truck embodying articulated subtrucks or steering arms having a plurality of wheelsets, with steering arm interconnections establishing coordinated steering motions of the wheelsets, the truck also having elastic restraining devices for stabilizing steering and other motions of the wheelsets. A method and structure is provided for adapting or "retrofitting" existing truck structures in a manner to embody the steering and stabilizing characteristics.

Abstract: A power cylinder unit, adapted for use in truck mounted, self-aligning railway freight car tread brakes comprises a housing, a bulkhead which seals the housing, and a rigid, but moveable piston rod. The housing includes an annular bearing adapted to provide lateral support for piston rod and a spring which urges the piston toward the bulkhead. The combination of the housing, the bulkhead and the piston head define a gas-tight space to which the brake operating compressed air is passed. The piston head includes three circumferential grooves adapted to receive a bearing ring, a fluid sealing ring and a lubricating ring. The cylinder may be eccentrically mounted.

Abstract: A railroad car (12) has a set (B1) of brakes acting on wheels (W1) at one end of the car and a set (B2) of brakes acting on wheels (W2) at the opposite end of the car. A mechanism (38) for applying a brake force produced by operation of a hand brake (HB) includes a force splitter (40) interconnected with the hand brake and one set (B1) of wheels to transmit the brake force to this set of brakes. A first torque unit (54) is interconnected with the force splitter to transfer the brake force from one end of the car to the other. A second torque unit (74) is interconnected with the first torque unit and the other set (B2) of brakes to transmit the brake force to this other set of brakes. Application of both sets of brakes in response to operation of the hand brake prevents movement of the car.

Abstract: A truck for a railroad car has a front and rear wheelset with axle ends rotatively carried in a front and rear steering arm, respectively. The steering arms are carried in pedestal jaws of a right and left side frame with resilient pads interfacing between the steering arms and the side frames. The resilient pads allow each wheelset and steering arm to rotate or yaw to an out-of-square condition with respect to the side frame as the railroad car proceeds, for example, around a curve in the track on which the car is traveling. This rotational movement is selectively regulated by a joint connecting the front and rear steering arms.

Abstract: A railroad freight car truck designed for the installation of steering arms for radial tracking in curves and high speed stability, and truck mounted air brake rigging of the standard type utilizing dual push-rods through the bolster to eliminate the truck biasing forces developed by conventional brake rigging with holes for accommodating the push-rods through the bolster and lugs for allowing the steering arms to engage and guide the brake beams in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A handbrake arrangement for railroad freight cars is disclosed that will connect a mechanical handbrake operating mechanism to the brake equipment (brake beams and brake shoes) on 2, 3, or more trucks on the same freight car. It is especially useful on articulated freight cars consisting of multiple units in order to satisfy handbrake power requirements required by industry and Federal regulations, but a similar arrangement may be used on special purpose cars having a multiplicity of trucks. On an articulated car, consisting of a number of units, there is a multiplicity of trucks and because of the size and weight characteristics of the car, it is desirable to connect the handbrake mechanism to a number of the trucks in order to provide adequate handbrake power.

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

Abstract: A center sill-less hopper car is provided with a body-mounted brake arrangement using a conventional brake beam and brake system. The arrangement includes the mounting of the individual components in a manner which accommodates the operation of the discharge gates of the hopper in discharging material downwardly from the car.

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

Abstract: A railway car truck includes two pairs of brake support guide assemblies connected to the side frames between the front and rear sets of wheels of the car. The support assemblies support and guide the nub ends of two brake units. The support assemblies include main support members adapted to be permanently mounted to the side frames. Additional plates with guide elements are readily attachable to the main support members to make the truck adaptable to receive different size wheel sets.

Abstract: An arrangement for a foundation brake rigging on a railway car includes a dead brake lever anchoring arrangement which comprises a bracket supported in openings extending through the walls of the wheel truck bolster. The bracket includes hook-shaped elements which support a generally horizontal connector rod disposed below the bolster. One end of the connector rod is provided with a hinged linkage arrangement, which includes an eye portion which engages and supports a hook-shaped lower end portion of the dead brake lever.

Abstract: A brake beam lever extends through an inclined slot in a brake beam strut at a greater inclination to vertical than the slot, and wedge shape members fill the wedge shape spaces formed between the lever and the side walls of the slot. A pivot pin extends through said strut and wedge members and lever, and the ends of the lever are provided with openings for clevis pins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a brake rigging for applying the brakes to the wheels in a railway car includes a top rod extending over the inner axle which engages a gear located between the inner axle and the truck bolster. The gear includes a first inclined, vertically extending gear lever having a curved segment end portion having gear teeth which engage gear teeth on a curved segment portion of a second inclined, vertically extending gear lever which is connected to a brake beam extending between the inner wheels. In addition a bottom connection is connected to at least one of the first and second gear levers and extends through the truck bolster. The opposite end of the bottom connection is attached to an outer vertically extending lever, the lower end of which is attached to an outer brake beam for applying the brakes to the outer wheels.

Abstract: A brake lever connection is formed from a tube with a two-piece jaw welded to each end, each jaw having laterally spaced side portions merging at one end into end portions engaging each other to form the inner end of the jaw, which has a first frusto-conical surface tapered toward the other jaw and merging into a smaller diameter frusto-conical surface tapered less sharply. The larger end of the smaller conical surface has about the same diameter as the inside of the tube, into an end of which the smaller conical surface is inserted. The end walls of the tube form with the first conical surfaces annular recesses filled with welding metal that joins the jaws to the ends of the tube.

Abstract: A braking system for a railroad car truck having its front and rear wheelsets so connected to permit each wheelset to yaw as the truck proceeds about curved trackage includes a front and rear brake beam and brake shoes attached thereto for engagement with the front and rear wheelsets. Each brake beam is pivotally connected to a front and rear brake lever, respectively, which are in turn pivotally connected to a front and rear swingable arm of the truck. During yawing or horizontal rotational movements of the wheelsets and the swingable arms in which the wheelsets are journaled, the brake beams and truck levers move complementary to each other so that when a braking force is applied to the truck levers, the rotational position of the wheelsets is unaffected by the braking force as the brake shoes engage the wheelsets.

Abstract: A brake rigging arrangement for high capacity dropped bottom gondola cars of the curved bottom type in which each end of the car up to the dropped bottom is in the form of a planar shear plate that is coextensive with the car end and is highly stressed under load, and is integrated with a stub center sill and body bolster, in which arrangement the rigging is of the double ended car supported type, and at each end of the car, the rigging for that end of the car is applied entirely below the shear plate in question and is integrated with the car end stub center sill at the level of the stub center sill without requiring perforation of the shear plate in the load bearing area of the car end.

Abstract: Rail car brake rigging of the type for use in a two-axle, four-wheel rail car truck is disclosed which embodies a double-acting brake cylinder and slack adjustor disposed transversely between the side frames of the car truck and connected to parallel brake beams disposed on opposite sides of the truck bolster, by a pair of spaced bell crank levers pivotably mounted on one of the beams, one arm of each bell crank lever being pivotably connected to the brake cylinder or its push rod, the other arm of each bell crank lever being pivotably connected to one of a pair of push rods joined to the other beam. The brake cylinder includes a parking brake actuating lever mounted to the housing thereof for manually, mechanically stroking the brake cylinder in the same manner as during fluid pressure actuated brake application, without inducing undesirable beam loadings and yet ensuring uniform application of the brakes at all wheels.

Abstract: The upper end of a railway car live brake lever between the axles of a car truck is pivotally connected to one end of a link that extends across the top of the adjacent axle and is pivotally connected to the lower end of a vertical fulcrum lever. The central portion of the fulcrum lever is provided with a circular opening, the wall of which is convex from side to side of the lever and forms an arc of a circle. A rigid supporting member for the fulcrum lever projects laterally from one side of the center sill of the car and has a hook at its outer end extending through the lever opening and curved away from the live lever. The hook forms an arc of a circle and has a circular cross section, the radius of the inside of the hook being substantially the same as the radius of the wall arc. The inside diameter of the lever opening is only slightly greater than the diameter of the hook in cross section, and the upper end of the fulcrum lever is formed for connection to a device for rocking that lever around the hook.

Abstract: A braking apparatus wherein the heat absorbing mass of a rotating braked element, such as a vehicle wheel, is increased by securing to such as each wheel of a vehicle, a brake drum, the peripheries of the wheels and drums constituting braking surfaces against which a plurality of brake shoes are pressed during a brake application by a movable member between which and the brake shoes there is interposed a mechanism that provides for shifting of the brake shoes relative to the movable member in such a manner as to enable each brake shoe to transmit substantially the same braking force to the corresponding braking surface notwithstanding the rate of wear of one shoe exceeding that of another.