Abstract: A method for specifying switching parameters of a solenoid control valve in a braking system of a vehicle includes stipulating a test vehicle acceleration and ascertaining at least two test pulse sequences. The test pulse sequences are each ascertained on the basis of the stipulated test vehicle acceleration and on the basis of switching parameter default values for the respective solenoid control valve, and the test pulse sequences have actuation pulses and adjoining nonactuation pulses. During an actuation pulse an activation of the respective solenoid control valve and during a nonactuation pulse a deactivation of the respective solenoid control valve takes place. The method further includes actuating the respective solenoid control valve using the at least two test pulse sequences in order to cause at least two test braking operations, wherein the respective test pulse sequence causes an alteration of a braking pressure at a service brake.

Abstract: A braking system includes a drive system having a traction motor coupled in driving relationship to a wheel of a vehicle, a braking device configured to brake the vehicle, and a control unit. The motor is configured to provide both motive power for the vehicle in a propel mode of operation and retarding effort to brake the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine a total retarding effort required to brake the vehicle in a braking mode of operation, and an amount of traction motor retarding effort available from the traction motor. The control unit is further configured to control the traction motor and the braking device so that at least one of the traction motor and the braking device brake the vehicle in the braking mode of operation.

Abstract: Apparatus to wirelessly monitor a position of a hatch are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a hatch to be coupled to a fluid tank, a latch to secure the hatch in a closed position, and a sensor to detect whether the latch is securing the hatch in a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system and a method of control. A friction brake torque and a secondary brake torque may be applied with a friction and secondary brakes, respectively, under various operating conditions, such as when a brake torque command is less than a threshold brake torque command.

Abstract: A brake ECU acquires the vehicle load (WW) (step S142), and sets a higher start-time criterion value (KT2) when the load (WW) is heavy than when the load (WW) is light (step S144). The brake ECU initiates auxiliary control when the period since the deceleration of the vehicle exceeded a first deceleration determination value is less than or equal to the start-time criterion value (KT2) and the G sensor value exceeds a second deceleration determination value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to brake control systems for the control of air brakes on rail vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a unitized brake assembly including a pipe bracket coupled to a combined brake cylinder-empty/load reservoir and a control valve mounted on the pipe bracket.

Abstract: A trailer device for driving stabilization of vehicle combinations is provided. In order to design a device for driving stabilization of passenger vehicle trailers in a cost-effective and simple manner, a brake system for braking the trailer by an overrun brake and for stability regulation is designed so as to have separating valves, switching valves, inlet and outlet valves and a pressure build-up pump. A stabilizing coupling is also connected by means of a second pressure medium pump to actuators which can vary the clamping force of the stabilizing coupling between the trailer and tractor vehicle if the second pressure medium pump conveys pressure medium from the storage tank into or out of the actuators.

Abstract: A rail vehicle brake system includes an electric controlled pneumatic brake valve having a controller and includes an empty-load device connecting the brake valve to a brake device. An electro-pneumatic lock-out valve is controlled by the controller and has a first position which allows the proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet by the empty-load device and a lock-out position which pneumatically prevents the proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet by the empty-load device. Also, the system may include a sensor for sensing the vehicle load; and the controller controls the brake valve in response to the sensed load taking into account the operation of the change over valve of the empty-load device. Also, an empty-load device including a load sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: An empty/load valve brake control device for a railway vehicle includes a body and a valve member disposed within the body. The body defines an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, an exhaust passageway, and a secondary passageway. The valve member has an empty position, a load position, and a partial load position. The inlet passageway is connected to the outlet passageway when the valve member is in the empty position, the outlet passageway is connected to the exhaust passageway when the valve member is in the load position, and the inlet passageway is connected to the secondary passageway when the valve member is in the partial load position.

Abstract: The present empty/load device includes an inlet to receive a brake signal, an outlet for a brake device, load sensing element, a change over valve responsive to the load sensing element to proportion the pressure at the inlet and the outlet when empty is sensed by the load sensing element, a differential pressure element connecting the load sensing element and the change over valve, and a lock-out mechanism to prevent proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet when activated. The lock-out mechanism includes a lock-out valve, in a lock-out position, pneumatically preventing proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet. A first spring biases the lock-out valve from the lock-out position. A detent engages the lock-out valve and holding the lock-out valve in the lock-out position. The lock-out valve may be connected in parallel to the change over valve with respect to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An empty/load valve brake control device for a railway vehicle includes a body and a valve member disposed within the body. The body defines an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, an exhaust passageway, and a secondary passageway. The valve member has an empty position, a load position, and a partial load position. The inlet passageway is connected to the outlet passageway when the valve member is in the empty position, the outlet passageway is connected to the exhaust passageway when the valve member is in the load position, and the inlet passageway is connected to the secondary passageway when the valve member is in the partial load position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a signal control device having a body with a generally cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal central axis, a first and second input, and a first and second output. Each input and output is in fluid communication with the body. The signal control device further contains a first spool with a first end and an opposite second end, each which define a recess, a central axis between the first and second ends and a through hole formed about the central axis. The signal control device also contains a second spool with a first end, an opposite second end, a second central axis between the first and second ends, and a bore. The bore has a first end opening at the first end of the second spool and has a second end opening intermediate the first and second ends of the second spool. The first spool and second spool are positioned within the body cavity so that their corresponding central axes are collinear.

Abstract: A rail vehicle brake system includes an electric controlled pneumatic brake valve having a controller and includes an empty-load device connecting the brake valve to a brake device. An electro-pneumatic lock-out valve is controlled by the controller and has a first position which allows the proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet by the empty-load device and a lock-out position which pneumatically prevents the proportioning of the inlet pressure to the outlet by the empty-load device. Also, the system may include a sensor for sensing the vehicle load; and the controller controls the brake valve in response to the sensed load taking into account the operation of the change over valve of the empty-load device. Also, an empty-load device including a load sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A release graduating proportioning valve for a rail car brake system having a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, and a load sensor valve which selectively connects the control volume to the brake cylinder. The release graduating proportioning valve has a proportioning piston movable between a first position at which a control volume is isolated from atmosphere to a second position at which the control volume is connected to atmosphere, to enable graduated release of brake cylinder pressure. A port to atmosphere is provided in the valve body, and the port is connected to, or isolated from, the control volume responsive to movement of the proportioning piston.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to brake control systems for the control of air brakes on rail vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a unitized brake assembly including a pipe bracket coupled to a combined brake cylinder-empty/load reservoir and a control valve mounted on the pipe bracket.

Abstract: A railway car brake system comprising a control device engageable with a predetermined portion of such railway car for compensating braking force in response to a load carried by such railway car. The control device includes a sensor mechanism engageable with a truck bolster or a movable car structure for sensing a vertical position thereof corresponding to a load carried by the railway car. There is a control valve engageable with the sensor mechanism which generates a fluid pressure signal responsive to such load. A pneumatic actuator engageable with a predetermined brake beam disposed on such truck assembly and connected to such control valve. This pneumatic actuator generates a predetermined braking force responsive to the fluid pressure signal and further responsive to the load carried by the railway car as sensed by the sensor mechanism. Such predetermined braking force may be proportionally adjusted to variations in the load carried by the railway car.

Abstract: A release graduating proportioning valve for a rail car brake system having a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, and a load sensor valve. The release graduating proportioning valve has a conventional proportioning piston with a control volume communicating on a first side thereof and a second volume communicating on an opposite side thereof. A graduated release valve member, which can be incorporated into the top of the proportioning valve, is interposed between the control volume and atmosphere for providing a graduated release of brake cylinder pressure via the control volume. The graduated release valve member is activated by movement of the proportioning piston.

Abstract: A method of controlling the empty/load setting on cars having electropneumatic brakes. A first signal is set to an empty/load status. The first signal and a second signal is transmitted to the cars. The cars set their empty/load status to the status and in response to the receipt of both signals. The cars transmit their empty/load status, and the empty/load status of the cars is received and displayed.

Abstract: A load sensing system for a rail car brake system, including at least two load sensing devices connected in series. The first load sensing device receives a brake signal from the brake control valve and provides a first braking signal for loads above a first value. It provides a second braking signal less than the first braking signal for loads below the first load value. The second load sensing device receives the first and second braking signals from a first load sensing device. It provides a third braking signal to the brake cylinder for loads above the second value and different from the first value and a fourth braking signal less than the third braking signal for loads below the second value. For loads above the first and second load values, the first and third braking signals are equal to the brake signal. For loads above the second value, the third braking signal is equal to the received first or second braking signal.

Abstract: A load weigh valve assembly for a railway car is provided. The load weigh valve assembly is mounted to the truck frame on primary sprung trucks to enable actuation of the load weigh valve pivot arm. The load weigh valve assembly is also mounted to the truck frame so as to eliminate the problems associated with oscillating and sliding motion at the load weigh valve pivot arm. In addition, the undesirable valve actuation that occurs due to car roll is eliminated.

Abstract: A load dependent braking pressure regulating device for railway vehicles comprises an auxiliary reservoir (8), a brake cylinder (10) and a control valve (9). A regulating valve (2), a sensor valve (4), a triggering board transmission mechanism (5) and a stop disc (6) are provided between the control valve (9) and the brake cylinder (10). A triggering head at the lower end of the stop disc (6) is right opposite the center of the triggering board of said transmission mechanism (5). The sensor valve (4) is connected with the control valve (9), the regulating valve (2), the brake cylinder and the pressure reduction reservoir(7). The device according to the present invention can prevent flat wheel accidents, enhance train operation safety, reduce operation cost and reduce the longitudinal impact between differently loaded cars in a train upon braking.

Abstract: An empty/load brake control system mountable on a sprung and an unsprung member of a railway car and disposed between the car brake control valve and brake cylinder for adjusting the brake cylinder pressure during a brake application according to the car load condition. Such system includes an empty/load sensor valve device and a sensor arm coupled to a sensor cable whose movement is controlled by a sprung member and a terminal member disposed on an end of sensor cable, in contact with sprung member so that any downward movement of sprung member forces such terminal member in a similar downward direction and similarly pulls on the sensor cable. A piston, under pressure, urges the sensor arm to rotate and retract sensor cable but must overcome resistance of a spring. The system includes a load proportional valve.

Abstract: A continuously variable load responsive brake pressure control valve controls the amount of brake pipe pressure for a railway vehicle. The system also includes an isolator therefor for isolating the load sensor therefor from transient inputs caused by normal vehicle motion. A spring loaded isolator coupled with a matched hydraulic cylinder isolate wheel truck deflections with respect to the car body, preventing erroneous inputs to the load sensor of the variable load braking system so as to provide more accurate brake cylinder pressure according to vehicle load weight. The variable load limiting valve is continuously operable between an empty vehicle condition and a fully loaded vehicle condition and assures a minimum braking pressure, while also helping prevent sticking of the brakes.

Abstract: An empty-load device with an additional brake cylinder test port which is at the same pressure as the brake cylinder port of the empty-load device. The empty-load device includes a housing and pipe bracket having a brake cylinder, a control valve and brake cylinder test ports. The brake cylinder port and the brake cylinder test port are on one side of the valve seat of the load responsive valve and the control valve port is on an opposite side of the valve seat. A check valve is provided in the brake cylinder test port which is opened when a connector is mated with a brake cylinder test port.