Abstract: A universal retarder system for slowing a railcar on rails. The system includes a lever arm configured to be pivotable within a vertical plane, where the lever arm is configured to support a brake shoe. An engagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe towards one of the rails. A disengagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe away from the one of the rails. The lever arm, engagement device, and disengagement device are each positioned between the rails. Pivoting the brake shoe towards the one of the rails is configured to force the brake shoe into engagement with the railcar to slow the railcar.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: The present concept is a rail wheel cleaning system which includes a base support plate, an adjusting assembly mounted on the base support plate, a sliding assembly configured to co-operatively engage with the adjusting assembly, and a shoe assembly mounted onto the sliding assembly and configured to be engage-able with the rail wheel at a preselected level for cleaning the rail wheel. Preferably the adjusting assembly includes an adjustment rod which is configured to operably move the sliding assembly in a transverse direction when the rod is moved in a longitudinal direction. Additionally preferably the adjusting assembly includes a wedge with an inclined wedge face, and the adjustment rod includes an inclined rod face configured to slide-ably engage with the wedge face, such that when the rod is urged in a tighter direction the sliding assembly is urged in an outward direction thereby increasing the impingement of the shoe assembly on the rail wheel.

Abstract: For zip line braking, a brake cable travels between at least two terminals. A brake applies a braking force to travel of the brake cable. A link arm is in physical communication with the brake cable. A trolley receiver in physical communication with the link arm and slidably traveling along a zip line receives a trolley slidably traveling along the zip line. The trolley receiver transfers the braking force through the link arm to the trolley.

Abstract: Systems for retarding the speed of a railcar comprise: a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on a wheel of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the rail car; a hydraulic circuit comprising a first manifold and a second manifold; a pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid into at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold; and a logic element controlling pressure of the fluid in the first manifold such that when the wheel enters the brake and forces the brake towards the open position. The logic element reacts to maintain a selected pressure in the first manifold, thus causing a selected braking pressure to be applied by the brake on the wheel of the railcar.

Abstract: A track brake for a rail vehicle has a plurality of elongated brake shoes affixed at intervals one behind the other to a continuous brake beam. The brake shoes have inserts incorporated in recesses inside their braking surfaces. The inserts are made of a friction-generating material that is resistant to temperatures under the braking load.

Abstract: A track brake includes at least one vertically movable, more particularly lowerable, braking element and an inclination sensor disposed in such a manner that a respective position of the at least one vertically movable braking element can be determined on the basis of at least one measurement value of the inclination sensor. A method for determining the position of at least one vertically movable, more particularly lowerable, braking element of a track brake is also provided.

Abstract: A display for a machine having a hydraulic brake is provided. The display includes a first display and a second display. The first display indicates a rate of heat accumulation within the hydraulic brake. The second display indicates a current temperature of the hydraulic brake.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: A friction rail skate comprising a base having a guide portion for supporting and steering along a rail and a tongue where the base is detachably connected to the tongue.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a gas actuated retarder system for railway cars to control the rolling speed of a railway car along a first and second running rails of a track section. The retarder system includes a plurality of steel ties positioned substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second running rails of a track section. A plurality of gas bladder mounts are positions between the running rails of the gas actuated retarder system. Coupled to each of the gas bladder mounts are air bladders with one air bladder on a side of the centerline of the gas actuated retarder system. Inflating and deflating the gas bladder selectively controls the amount of speed reduction of the railcar.

Abstract: A retarder for controlling the speed of a railcar is provided. The retarder includes a brake and a brake actuator that includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder and a spring. One of the piston and the cylinder acts on the brake and the other of the piston and the cylinder acts on one end of the spring. The other end of the spring acts on the brake. In this arrangement, supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the piston-cylinder causes both the piston-cylinder and the spring to move the brake towards a closed position in which the brake will apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar. The spring resiliently biases the brake into the closed position to maintain a substantially constant braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar as it moves through the retarder.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a beam trolley on a beam has a body member on the beam trolley adjacent the beam. The body member has a recess and axially aligned bores and a rotatable lateral pin extends through the aligned bores. The lateral pin has a rotatable elongate cam portion extending across the recess, and a brake pad is in the recess adjacent to the beam and abutting the cam portion. A handle is connected to the lateral pin for rotating the pin and the cam portion to displace the brake pad against the beam. The brake pad frictionally secures the beam trolley on the beam and locks the rotatable cam in place. Rounded end portions on opposite ends of the lateral pin and sleeve-like bushings between the axially aligned bores and rounded end portions permit rotation of the cam portion by the handle.

Abstract: For zip line braking, a brake cable travels between at least two terminals. A brake applies a braking force to travel of the brake cable. A link arm is in physical communication with the brake cable. A trolley receiver in physical communication with the link arm and slidably traveling along a zip line receives a trolley slidably traveling along the zip line. The trolley receiver transfers the braking force through the link arm to the trolley.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retarding the speed of a railcar are provided. A supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to a piston cylinder to actuate the cylinder and thereby move a brake into a closed position in which the brake will apply a predetermined braking pressure to a wheel of the railcar. An accumulator accumulates fluid from the circuit when the wheel forces the brake out of the closed position and supplies accumulated fluid back to the circuit as the brake moves back into the closed position to thereby maintain a substantially constant braking pressure on the wheel as it moves through the retarder.

Abstract: An air bladder actuator for a railroad car retarder utilizes a simplified stroke limiting arrangement that can be used in new actuator construction or applied as a retrofit assembly to an existing air cylinder actuated retarder.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: Systems for retarding the speed of a railcar comprise: a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on a wheel of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the rail car; a hydraulic circuit comprising a first manifold and a second manifold; a pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid into at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold; and a logic element controlling pressure of the fluid in the first manifold such that when the wheel enters the brake and forces the brake towards the open position. The logic element reacts to maintain a selected pressure in the first manifold, thus causing a selected braking pressure to be applied by the brake on the wheel of the railcar.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a system for connecting brake shoes to brake beams in a railroad car retarder all provide enhanced connecting joint tightness that reduces premature connecting joint loosening, reduces maintenance, and reduces failure of connecting bolts or equivalent connecting pins.

Abstract: An air bladder actuated railroad car retarder is designed to simplify installation, operate in a manner imposing minimal stress on the bladder, improve preventive maintenance, and simplify access to the main fulcrum bearings. The air bladder actuator is made with lightweight aluminum end plates and utilizes a unique stud assembly for attaching the actuator to the retarder pivot arms. Rigid mounting of the air bladder with a unique pivot geometry exposes the bladder to minimal lateral deflection which is balanced in both directions. A simple stroke limiter assembly, external to the air bladder, is also used to measure and monitor wear of the main fulcrum bearings. The stroke limiter assembly is easily demountable and removable to enhance access to the main fulcrum pivot for replacement of the fulcrum bearings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail-safe skate retarder that applies a braking force proportional to the weight of a rail car entering the retarder. Each segment of the retarder includes a lever mechanism with a pair of levers rotatably joined under the running rail. Each lever holds a braking rail for engaging a wheel of the car. The retarder is normally in a lower, fail-safe position with the brake rails closer together than the width of the wheel. When the car enters the retarder, the wheel forces the brake rails apart into a braking position, and the middle of the lever mechanism rises to lift the running rail and car. A hydraulic power unit and cylinder is activated to raise the middle of the lever mechanism even further to a release position so that the brake rails are spread apart more than the width of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A rail brake element, in particular in connection with rail brake buffer blocks, comprising a pair of clamping plates C-shaped in cross section and having upper and lower leg portions, the clamping plates engaging a rail head on opposite sides, at least one braking block element having a flat lower surface which engages the top surface of the rail head and two upper roof-like tapered surfaces, whereby the block element and the brake linings are pressed against the rail head, characterized in that the tapered surfaces of the block element have an angle relative to a horizontal plane of at least 20° and the block element and the clamping plates are dimensioned such that the end of the upper leg portions of the clamping plates have a significant distance from the upper edge of the associated tapered surface if the rail head is not worn.

Abstract: A railroad track brake in which a piston track brake is shifted out of an active state into an inactive state by a track-brake lowering device with a length of structural section extending along the piston track brake and having drag bars attached thereto while engaging the piston track brake. The active and inactive states are produced without contacting the housing of the piston track brake, and the braking process is free of acceleration forces. The drag bars contact the piston track brake only when it is in an inactive state to prevent acceleration forces.

Abstract: A low-profile railway car retarder system comprising a fulcrum pin, an upper and a lower lever, and two braking assemblies, is disclosed. The levers are located beneath a horizontal plan drawn from the top of the rail, thereby preventing inadvertent contact with a passing car. The braking actuator comprises an air-tight bladder which is filled with fluid or drained of fluid to cause the frictional braking members to move between closed and opened braking positions, and provides greater control than prior art systems.

Abstract: A brake (10) includes a first friction element (30) secured to the sliding plate (16) of a linear motor (12) and a second friction element (36) secured to the base plate (14) of the linear motor (12), with the friction elements (30, 36) located outside of the linear motor (12) in a direction generally perpendicular to the linear movement direction. The second friction element (36) includes first and second caliper elements (54) between which the first friction element (30) can be sandwiched and which are separated by movement of a release bar (62) parallel to the linear movement direction and including cam followers (72) which engage cam wedges (74) secured on the inner surfaces of the first and second caliper elements (54). The first and second caliper elements (54) are slideable upon standoffs (44) extending between side plate (42) of a frame (38). Wave springs (58) are positioned in recesses (60) and between the caliper elements (54) and the side plates (42) for biasing the caliper elements (54) together.

Abstract: A brake for a track-operated vehicle employing the use of friction between at least one brake pad to be mounted on the vehicle and at least one frictional strip for attached to a lateral side of the track. The brake pad is to be attached to the vehicle by a device for urging the brake pad toward a lateral side of the track to which a frictional strip has been attached to such an extent that when the vehicle is maintained in alignment with the track, the inner surface of said brake pad will attain a position, in the absence of the frictional strip, that is intermediate between the lateral side of the track and the position where the outer side of the frictional strip would be located were such first frictional strip installed. Similarly, an auxiliary brake has a bar that fits across the track and two brake pads attached to the bar in the same manner as brake pads are attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shoe or clamp assembly for securing a buffer stop or bumping post to railroad track with a predetermined magnitude of retardation against sliding movement of the buffer stop when the same is engaged by a moving railcar to be stopped. The shoe assembly which clamps against opposite sides of a buffer stop wall, and also clamps against opposite sides of a rail, is secured by at least one bolt and nut and also a spring stack so that a torque wrench is not required in order to effect such securement.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for a waterway traveling vehicle which can guide the vehicle when it is traveling along the waterway, while applying a damping force to slow or stop the vehicle. A turning frame is provided in the waterway and is guided by a guide member for angular movement. The turning frame is urged by a spring mechanism to align in a predetermined direction, and the damping mechanism is mounted on the turning frame. When the vehicle approaches the damping mechanism obliquely, the turning frame is angularly moved to make the damping mechanism align with the direction of vehicle travel. The damping mechanism is then returned to a predetermined direction under the restoring action of the spring mechanism. In this manner the direction of the vehicle is corrected to the proper direction and is slowed or stopped by the action of the damping mechanism.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a cylinder defining a cavity between a pair of end walls. A piston rod extends axially through one of the end walls, and a piston is mounted on the piston rod between the end walls so as to divide the cavity into first and second working chambers containing a damping fluid. A first array of passages extends through the piston and communicates between the first and second chambers, and a sprung valve assembly is provided for obturating the first array of passages in the event of the velocity of the piston rod relative to the cylinder exceeding a predetermined value. A second array of passages communicates between the working chambers and provides a fluid flow path when the first array of passages is blocked by the sprung valve assembly. Restricted exhaust orifices communicate with the second array of passages for limiting the flow of fluid through the second array of passages so as to control the movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: A railway car retarder mechanism that employs linear electromagnetic induction to precisely accelerate or decelerate a railcar. The retarder mechanism includes a plurality of linear induction stators having a spaced plurality of primary inductors, a controllable power source electrically connected with selected ones of the primary inductors, a controller for controlling the electric current transmitted to the respective primary inductors by the controllable power source, and a sensor for sensing selected railcar parameters and transmitting those parameters to the controller, so that the speed-corrective forces applied by the retarder are proportional to these parameters. The controller regulates the magnetomotive force which is imparted upon a selected one of a plurality of railcar wheel sets, and is connected with each controllable power source. In some embodiments, the sensor include at least a portion of fiber-optic cable, which cable can be disposed proximate to a predetermined length of track rail.

Abstract: A retarder apparatus controls the speed of a free, load-carrying conveyor as it moves in a predetermined direction along a path of travel defined by the track in which the conveyor runs. Paddle members are spaced at regular intervals along an endless movable chain and each, in turn, is positioned in the track in the path of the next conveyor. Upon engagement of an individual paddle by an oncoming conveyor, the chain is instantly accelerated to the speed of the conveyor and this motion is transmitted through a chain sprocket to a centrifugal brake which, if a normal speed is being exceeded, limits the speed of movement of the chain to hold back a runaway conveyor and return it to the normal speed.

Abstract: A control device for trolley shackles used to carry animal carcasses or parts thereof on a track for weighing and disposal. The control comprises a snubber device including extending teeth adapted so that each tooth can catch a shackle. Speed control of the teeth and their carrying device may be controlled by electrical or hydraulic devices in addition to mechanical brakes.

Abstract: A brake apparatus that is designed to brake a drag race vehicle that is movable within a track of an amusement ride. The braking apparatus includes a pair of braking units that each include movable portions that are movable toward each other so as to clamp onto a guide plate that is being carried by the vehicle as it moves along the track. This clamping onto the guide plate results in slowing and eventual stopping of the vehicle. The braking units are movable by means of inflatable bladders into the braking position. The braking units are mounted on metallic cross beams which are fixedly mounted to the track. The movable portions of the braking units are slidably mounted on the metallic cross beams. Longitudinal movement of the movable portions, which occurs during the braking position, is to evenly apply pressure against each of the metallic cross beams. Each of the braking units are continuously spring biased toward the non-braking position.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing runaway of trolleys in a power-and-free conveyor system that includes a friction bar that extends lengthwise of the free conveyor track on a side of the track remote from the power conveyor for motion lengthwise of the track at an acute angle to the direction of motion of the trolleys along the track. The friction bar is releasably biased laterally outwardly from the track and in a direction lengthwise of the track opposed to the direction of trolley motion on the track so that trolleys may travel freely along the free conveyor track past the bar.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent device on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Components on a transfer carrier permit remote actuation of locking components in a chamber through intermediate components on a ramp between the chamber and the transfer carrier. Members are provided to secure the transfer carrier to the ramp. Linear actuation of a push rod at the remote end of the transfer carrier causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. Fail safe mechanisms are provided to prevent movement of the blocking member to the unlocked position when the transfer carrier is not secured to the ramp.

Abstract: An improved railway car retarder, fitted with fluid power cylinders, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. The cylinders function to temporarily release the force of retarder friction rails on train car wheels. The retardation function is still carried out by conventional spring assemblies and the functional integrity of existing retarders is not disrupted.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Linear actuation of a push rod from a transfer platform causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. A detent means on the transfer platform sealed in an airtight workstation permits remote actuation of the locking components in the chamber from a worksuit provided in the workstation. The locking function is automatically reset without any intervention by the user of the workstation.

Abstract: An improved rail skate intended for mounting on the top of a rail, including an upwardly inclined ramp portion and an entry or toe portion whereby a wheel of an approaching railcar will roll up on top of the entry or toe portion and engage the ramp thereby stopping movement of the wheel relative to the rail skate and thereafter causing the rail skate to slide along the top of the rail until the railcar is ultimately stopped, the rail skate having a shoe element with a substantially V-shaped cross-section including a raised central portion and depending sides.

Abstract: In a friction buffer stop, each side wall of the buffer structure has at its lowermost edge mutually spaced slots extending parallel to the adjacent rail, each slot being directly opposite to and of the same length as a slot in the other side wall. Pairs of transversely spaced two-part clamps detachably secure each side wall to the rails. Each clamp comprises a pair of side plates clamped on opposite sides of the rail by a clamping bolt passing through one of the mutually spaced slots. The slots engaged by the bolts of each pair of clamps are identical in length; and the slots engaged by the bolts of each pair of clamps, except the first pair of clamps, are longer than slots engaged by the bolts of an adjacent upstream pair of clamps.

Abstract: An overhead cableway is disclosed, in particular a chair lift, with a cable revolving between stations and with transport devices having a traveling gear and connected with the cable via removable clamps. Travel segments are provided at every station which include driven friction wheels, which act on the transport devices via friction surfaces provided on their traveling gear, and forming at least one deceleration and one acceleration section each, and with guide elements associated with the travel segments, which cooperate with the traveling gear. In accordance with the invention, the friction wheels (6,10) define traveling surfaces (20) and the transport devices (50) are supported by their downwardly oriented friction surfaces (88) directly on the friction wheels, and the guide elements (48) are seated rotatably and fixed in place.

Abstract: The retarder is installed adjacent a railway track for reducing the speed of a wagon rolling along the track and additionally has the capability of boosting the speed of a wagon. The retarder includes a hydraulic unit having a portion adapted to be deflected out of the path of a wheel of the wagon when directly or indirectly engaged by the wheel before returning to its original position. The unit has adjustable hydraulic damping capable of resisting such deflection to retard the wagon, and a wagon speed responder for adjusting the hydraulic damping of the unit to retard a wagon travelling at high speed.

Abstract: A method for speed control of railway transport facilities and a device to accomplish the method are used for deceleration and acceleration of transport vehicles in shunting yards. In the process of speed control a pressure element is introduced into an annular space cavity in a wheel, which cavity is formed by the disk hub and inner circular surface in the wheel rim, and is located on the inner or outer side of the wheel, said pressure element applies force action to any point located within one of the two inner circular wheel rim surface regions, located at both sides of an imaginary plane "a-a", passing through the axle of the wheel and through the wheel-to-rail contact point B. The pressure element has a shape designed to provide free entrance of the element into said annular cavity, which pressure element is mounted on a carriage, the carriage being movable along the track. The value of the pressure element force in this solution will not be limited to the weight of a wagon.

Abstract: A weight bearing trolley moves along a track having flanges between which a guide wheel of said trolley is positioned. The movement of the trolley is monitored to determine when braking is desired and, when desired, pressure is applied to said guide wheel, forcing it into contact with one of said flanges and producing frictional retarding force braking said trolley. A fail-safe actuator utilizes fluid pressure to keep a brake operating spring compressed when braking is not wanted.

Abstract: A brake apparatus that is designed to brake a drag race vehicle that is movable within a track of an amusement ride. The braking apparatus includes a pair of braking units that each include movable portions that are movable toward each other so as to clamp onto a guide plate that is being carried by the vehicle as it moves along the track. This clamping onto the guide plate results in slowing and eventual slopping of the vehicle. The braking units are movable by means of inflatable bladders into the braking position. The braking units are mounted on metallic cross beams which are fixedly mounted to the track The movable portions of the braking units are slidably mounted on the metallic cross beams. Longitudinal movement of the movable portions, which occurs during the braking position, is to evenly apply pressure against each of the metallic cross beams. Each of the bring units are continuously spring biased toward the non-braking position.