Abstract: An emergency braking device for railway cars having a wheel truck provided with a fluid pressurized brake line in a wheel braking system, comprises an elongated tubular break-away valve member rigidly attached to one of the truck and car frame, and is connected in the pressurized brake line. A flexible substantially inextensible cable is connected between the valve member and the other of the truck and car frame. The cable is connected between points which are on a line substantially normal to the valve member. The cable length is such as to permit normal movement between the car frame and the truck without being tensioned but is tensioned during abnormal movement therebetween corresponding to an emergency condition, at which time the valve member is caused to rupture providing an escape path for the pressurized brake fluid to automatically brake the railway car.

Abstract: A method and structure for automatically stopping a train riding on a railroad track should at least one wheel of the train go off of the track. The train has a conventional pneumatic brake line, with which a cutting arrangement is operatively associated for actuation should one wheel of the train go off the track, the severing of the pneumatic brake line allowing release of air so as to gradually apply the brakes and ultimately stop the train.

Abstract: An automatic safety brake system for use with the air brake system of a tank-type vehicle for transporting and delivering volatile liquids. The automatic safety brake system has a connector to which hoses are connected for delivering liquid to or from the vehicle tank. A port is formed in the connector and has one opening which is connected by a hose to the emergency air line of the vehicle air brake system. Another opening of the port is adapted to contact in sealing engagement with a removable sealing cap, the cap also covering the opening of the connector through which the liquid flows to and from the vehicle tank. Tightening of the sealing cap on the connector seals the port allowing pressure to build up in the emergency line of the vehicle air brake system. Loosening of the cap opens the port to atmosphere thereby exhausting the emergency line of the vehicle air brake system and automatically applying vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A fluid pressure brake system includes electrically actuated application and release valves. Upon brake application, brake control pipe pressure is vented electrically to accelerate application. Upon brake release, supply reservoir pressure is admitted electrically to the brake control pipe to accelerate release. In emergency situations, auxiliary equipment may be operated from the main reservoir pipe, the supply reservoir or the brake pipe, as desired. A novel solenoid-actuated valve is disclosed, which cooperates with unique indicator circuitry to provide a positive, continuous indication of a preceding electrically assisted application or release.

Abstract: Each car on a freight train is equipped with what is called a brake control valve. This valve is in the automatic air brake system and causes the air brake on the individual car to be applied when the pressure in the main brake pipe which runs throughout the train is reduced by the engineer or by any other cause. Sometimes, the brake control valve will malfunction, thereby causing it to go into the emergency brake position, either during normal service braking or at other times. When it goes into the emergency position, the brake pipe opens to the atmosphere and the resulting sudden reduction in pressure at that point causes all of the brake control valves on the train to go into emergency position causing a full emergency brake application throughout the train. With long trains, quickly finding the malfunctioning brake control valve is quite a chore.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which detects a wheel derailment, detached brake rigging or off center truck of a railway train and automatically switches the air brake system of the train into a state of emergency stop. A pair of synthetic resin tubes with closed lower ends are mounted to a brake bar of each truck and extend outwardly and downwardly toward the track. The tubes are mounted on laterally opposite, interior sides of the wheels. They are connected by flexible air hoses to a manually actuable valve which in turn connects to the main air brake pipe extending longitudinally along the underside of the railway car. The closed ends of the tubes are inwardly and upwardly offset from the rail and positioned for striking the rail or roadbed, rupturing one or more of the tubes and venting the air from the brake line upon the occurrence of one of the above hazardous failures.

Abstract: A modified AB test rack for testing freight car brake equipment valves in which excessive noise produced during standard tests by air exiting the quick action exhaust port of the emergency portion and the duplex release valve of the service portion is eliminated by connecting, by a quick action valve operating by an air cylinder, the respective port and release valve, to a manifold which is in turn connected to a muffler having an inlet at one end, a number of baffles and apertured plates forming a tortuous path to an outlet formed by a number of holes through the opposite end and adjacent sides.

Abstract: A safety device for initiating an air brake application attached to or integral with the side frame of a railway car truck in proximity to the rail consisting of a hollow shoe or casting communicating with the air brake train line and adapted to make contact with the rail and fracture upon derailment venting the train line air to the atmosphere.