Abstract: A sandbox for rail vehicles, of a type comprising a sand container, on the bottom of which there is a hollow body which presents one or several openings through which sand flows out towards an ejector assembly beneath by passing through an outlet hole controlled by an axially sliding vertical shutter located inside the hollow body is provided. The shutter translates between a lower position in which the output hole is closed and an upper, maximum opening position, whereby the shutter features a cylindrical shape and its lower end functionally cooperates with a ring shaped, sealing coaxial seat, corresponding to the outlet hole of the container.

Abstract: A method of increasing the friction between a tire of a vehicle and an icy surface includes dispensing a cooling agent such that at least a portion of the dispensed cooling agent is distributed between the tire of the vehicle and the icy surface.

Abstract: A sand dosing and blocking device for sand spreading systems for vehicles, particularly rail vehicles with drive, has a sand supply container with an outlet opening which can be closed by a closing element for the dosed release of sand to a conveyor unit which is preferably pneumatically activated. The closing element is formed by a lifting rod of an electrically activated lifting magnet. The lifting magnet is arranged inside the sand supply container in the area of the outlet opening. Frequency control of the lifting magnet varies the dosed flow of sand, which may be varied in response to vehicle wheel speed.

Abstract: An electrical short circuit protection device for an electric trailer brake controller includes a fuse connected between the controller and the trailer brakes and an acoustic piezoelectric transducer connected across the fuse. Upon a short circuit fault developing in the trailer brakes, the fuse opens and the transducer generates an audio warning signal.

Abstract: A sand delivery system for use in automobiles, or other vehicles. The device uses the hollow front bumpers found on most modern vehicles today to store bags of sand, which is delivered through a number of nozzles located in the front of the vehicle. A blower system forces the sand through the nozzles and projects the sand in a wide pattern out in front of the vehicle. The system is designed to operate when the vehicle is braking. Because the sand is disbursed out in front of the vehicle, the tires can better utilize the sand for braking. Because the sand is projected out in front of the vehicle only a moderate amount of sand is needed to improve traction, thereby reducing the need for large quantities of sand. The sand delivery system can be tied to a manual switch, the vehicle's brake pedal, or to a computer that is tied into the anti-lock brake systems of a car. In the latter case, sand is only be applied when the anti-lock brake system is activated.