Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle, the vehicle including a service brake control module and a parking brake with at least one spring brake chamber, the service brake control module controlling at least a first pressure module to brake a first set of wheels. The brake system comprises a parking brake control module configured to control the spring brake chamber to brake a second set of wheels and to control the first pressure module to brake the first set of wheels.

Abstract: Breakaway detection and alerting is described for the breakaway of a towed vehicle. In one example, a system includes a breakaway detector attached to a towed vehicle to detect when a distance to a tow vehicle has exceeded a predetermined distance and to generate a breakaway detection signal and a wireless interface coupled to the detector to receive the breakaway detection signal and to transmit a wireless breakaway alert signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A relay valve (2) for a compressed air system, has a housing, which has a pressure medium inlet that can be connected to a pressure medium source, at least one pressure medium outlet that can be connected to a consuming unit, at least one control inlet, and at least one vent (32) leading to atmosphere. The relay valve (2) furthermore has a relay valve piston (14), which is arranged in the housing in such a way that the relay valve piston can be moved along a relay valve piston axis (16) and divides a control chamber (22) and a working chamber (26) from each other in the housing. The relay valve (2) has a damping volume (52), which is pneumatically connected to the control chamber (22), thereby advantageously enabling the oscillation capacity of the relay valve piston (14) to be reduced.

Abstract: A dual-directions braking method of a disc brake, a braking mechanism and a braking system thereof are applied in fields of automobiles, trains and airplanes. The dual-directions braking mechanism includes a crankshaft having three concentric sections and two eccentric sections, two friction discs, a friction disc ring and at least a pair of brake calipers and friction pads, wherein the two eccentric sections are respectively provided between each neighboring two of the three concentric sections and mutually disposed at 180°; the two friction discs are respectively provided on the two eccentric sections; the friction disc ring is provided on the main section between the two eccentric sections. Through a translationally rotating friction by the two friction discs respectively with the friction disc ring and with the friction pads of each pair of brake calipers, a backward braking moment and a forward braking moment are simultaneously generated on the main sections.

Abstract: An air dryer system for a locomotive having optimized purge air control over a twin tower desiccant-type air dryer. The computer controlled locomotive brake system is used to determine when the air dryer is being used and approximately how much air flow has actually passed through the active tower of the dryer using the air consumption state, the change of pressure in the second main reservoir, the air compressor on/off state, the total accumulated time of air flow since last purge cycle, and/or the calculated air flow through the air dryer since the last purge cycle. When the actual air flow reaches the capacity of the active tower of the air dryer, the computer controlled locomotive brake system commands the air dryer to perform a purge cycle. The system thus maximizes the use of each tower in the air dryer rather than switching according to a preset time period.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake, which force is applied by an electric-motor braking apparatus and a hydraulic braking apparatus, the electric braking motor impinging upon a brake piston of a hydraulic wheel brake unit of the hydraulic braking apparatus, for the case in which the pre-pressure existing in the hydraulic braking apparatus exceeds a threshold pressure value, an inlet valve in the braking circuit of the hydraulic braking apparatus is closed, and the target braking force is established by actuation of the electric-motor braking apparatus.

Abstract: A controller sets a target hydraulic pressure of a master cylinder based on the operation amount of a brake pedal, and controls the action of an electric motor so that a master cylinder hydraulic pressure attains the target hydraulic pressure. A brake characteristic representing a relationship between a motor rotation position detected by a resolver and the master cylinder hydraulic pressure as detected by the hydraulic pressure sensor is stored and updated. When the hydraulic pressure sensor is abnormal, a target motor rotation position corresponding to the target hydraulic pressure is set using the updated brake characteristic, and the action of the electric motor is controlled. The electric motor is controlled based on the updated brake characteristic, and hence fluctuations in the vehicle deceleration with respect to the brake operation can be suppressed and a sense of discomfort for the driver can be alleviated.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: The electro-pneumatic latching valve system having an electrical switch unit that further includes an “apply” or “activate” switch, a “release” or “deactivate” switch, and a power supply. A first solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the activate switch and a second solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the deactivate switch. A pneumatic latching valve is in pneumatic communication with the first and second solenoid valves and a source of pressurized control and supply air is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic latching valve and the solenoid valves. A terminal device, e.g., a spring brake, is in pneumatic communication with the latching valve, and the device is released or applied in response to pressurized supply air delivered to the device through the pneumatic latching valve in response to pneumatic control signals delivered to the pneumatic latching valve from the solenoid valves.

Abstract: In a vehicular brake-by-wire braking system, during a four wheel simultaneous control mode when regeneration cooperative braking is implemented, a pair of electromagnetic isolation control valves and one of normally closed electromagnetic pressure relief valves corresponding to regeneration side left and right wheel brakes and normally closed electromagnetic pressure relief valves corresponding to non-regeneration side left and right wheel brakes are caused to operate to open and close, while the other of the normally closed electromagnetic pressure relief valves corresponding to the regeneration side left and right wheel brakes and the normally closed electromagnetic pressure relief valves corresponding to the non-regeneration side left and right wheel brakes are put in de-energized states in which the valves concerned are kept closed, and all normally open electromagnetic pressure supply valves are put in de-energized states in which the valves concerned are kept opened.

Abstract: A system for determining a safe maximum speed of an vehicle has a processor and a global positioning system receiver in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to determine a grade and distance to an end of an upcoming or a current road segment the vehicle is traveling on based on the global positioning system information received from the global positioning system receiver. The processor is further configured to determine the safe maximum speed of the vehicle based on the distance to the end and pitch of the grade of the upcoming or current road segment the vehicle is traveling on and the braking efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston-cylinder device for conducting a hydraulic fluid under pressure to an actuating arrangement, in particular a brake system, having at least one piston which delimits a pressure chamber, which is connected to the actuating arrangement via a hydraulic line. Provision is made according to the invention that the hydraulic fluid is conducted to the pressure chamber under pressure by means of an additional arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a pre-fill system to improve brake feel and a method of increasing an initial flux using the same which may reduce an invalid travel distance of a brake pedal. The pre-fill system includes a first housing connected with the master cylinder and provided with a first bore having a smaller-diameter portion and a larger-diameter portion, a second housing provided with a stepped second bore communicating with the first bore to be coupled with the first housing to define a hydraulic pressure chamber, a piston arranged in the first bore and provided with an oil channel unit, and a valve assembly adapted to open and close the oil channel unit of the piston according to the hydraulic brake pressure, wherein the piston applies pressure to the hydraulic pressure chamber through the piston to supply hydraulic pressure to the disc brake.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuation device (1) for a brake device of a wind turbine including a hydraulic control line (10), which runs from a hydraulic system circuit (P) of a wind turbine to at least one brake cylinder (2) of a brake device. At least one restrictor (13) is arranged in the control line (10). At least one branch line (14) includes a pressure regulating member (15) that branches off from the control line (10) upstream of the restrictor (13) in the pressure build-up direction, bypassing the restrictor (13), and leads back into the control line (10) downstream of the restrictor (13). The pressure regulating member (15) open when the pressure present on the output side is low, but closes when the pressure at the pressure regulating member (15) on the output side of the pressure regulating member (15) exceeds a preset closing pressure (PS).

Abstract: Train brake systems, hand brake release systems and related methods are provided. The brake system can include a hand brake release system that can automatically releasing a hand brake on a railway car. A differential value can be used to measuring an air pressure differential between an air pressure in a train line of a train and an air pressure on a brake cylinder of the railway car to determine if air should transfer from the emergency reservoir to assure the hand brake is released. A hand brake position valve can be used to determine whether the hand brake is applied or released. The air from the emergency reservoir can then be directed within a motion detector valve to assure that the hand brake us released.

Abstract: A torque applying device is provided for applying a driving torque to at least a pair of wheels, and a torque restraining device is provided for restraining the torque created on the wheels to be applied with the torque by the torque applying device. A friction braking device is provided for applying a braking torque to each wheel in response to operation of a brake pedal. An automatic braking control device automatically actuates the friction braking device independently of operation of the brake pedal, to apply the braking torque to each wheel. And, a torque restraining cancellation device is provided for cancelling the torque restraining operation for a time period determined in response to a vehicle speed decreasing state, after a condition for initiating the automatic braking control was fulfilled.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes: a master cylinder; a wheel cylinder; a hydraulic pressure source; a control valve arranged to increase or reduce the pressure of the wheel cylinder; an outside gate valve arranged to connect or disconnect between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder; a brake operation sensing section configured to sense a driver's brake operation; and a control unit configured to control the hydraulic pressure source, the control valve, and the outside gate valve, to perform an automatic-brake pressure-increasing control to control the outside gate valve in a valve closing direction, to drive the hydraulic pressure source, and thereby to increase the pressure of the wheel cylinder in accordance with a vehicle condition, and to increase a driving quantity of the hydraulic pressure source when the brake operation is sensed during the automatic-brake pressure-increasing control.

Abstract: A vehicle air braking system having a source of fluid under pressure (1), an air dryer (A) downstream of the source (1), and an air consumer circuit (2) downstream of the air dryer (A), the system being operable to suspend the source (1) on demand to permit backflow of air under pressure from the air consumer circuit (2) through the air dryer (A) to a drain valve (B), the system including a regeneration valve (D), and a command valve (C) having an inlet connected to the air consumer circuit (2), and a supply outlet operably connected to the drain valve (B), wherein the regeneration valve (D) is operable to permit regeneration backflow in response to connection of the inlet and supply outlets of the command valve (C).

Abstract: A brake system is provided for minimizing brake pulsation feedback caused by surface variations of a brake system corner component. The brake system includes at least one sensing device configured to measure a pressure pulse caused by the surface variation of a brake system corner component. A controller module is in communication with the at least one sensing device and a hydraulic brake circuit. The controller module is configured to receive an output from the at least one sensing device and to adjust line pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit to substantially minimize brake pulsation feedback.

Abstract: A combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly is used to consolidate multiple valve functions within a common valve assembly, which reduces cost and overall complexity in an associated vehicle brake system. The combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly includes a valve body with a quick release portion that has a parking brake port and a service brake control port, which is in fluid communication with an anti-compounding passage. The valve body also includes a service relay portion that has a supply port fluidly connected to a service brake air reservoir and a delivery port fluidly connected to a brake actuator that generates service brake requests.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a head pipe that is disposed at a front portion of a vehicle body and makes front forks pivot, and a pair of left and right down tubes that extend downward from the head pipe and extend to the rear side of an engine under the engine, wherein connecting members for connecting brake hoses that are formed of elastic members to respective brake pipes that are formed of metal pipes are disposed behind the head pipe, and the brake hoses that extend from the connecting members to a brake for a front wheel extend frontward after passing between the pair of the left and right down tubes.

Abstract: A base body has flow path configuring portions, has inlet and outlet ports, a central mounting hole 31, a central flow path 51 penetrating the central mounting hole 31, first inner and outer mounting holes 32, 33 disposed upstream side of the central mounting hole 31, second inner and outer mounting holes 34, 35 disposed downstream side of the central mounting hole 31, a third mounting hole 36 disposed below the second outer mounting hole 35, a wheel side sensor mounting hole 46 disposed on an extension of the outlet port 22L between the first inner mounting hole 32 and the second inner mounting hole 34, and a hydraulic pressure source side sensor mounting hole 45 disposed on a center line X of the base body so as to straddle to extend to the flow path configuring portions across the center line X.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for a vehicle includes a brake having a wheel cylinder that applies a braking force to a wheel, and a pressurizing device. The pressurizing device pressurizes the brake liquid and includes a suction portion for sucking a brake liquid, and additionally includes an output portion connected to the wheel cylinder. A linear solenoid valve includes at least one housing, and is connected to the wheel cylinder and to the suction portion of the pressurizing device. The solenoid valve includes a valve portion having a reciprocating valve member and a valve seat opposed to the valve member. A biasing member biases the valve member in one direction and a solenoid applies a drive force to the valve member in an opposite direction. In addition, a hydraulic-pressure-decrease restraining device restrains a decrease of pressure of the brake liquid in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake fluid valve assembly (12). Assembly (12) comprises a housing (14) defining an inner chamber (21). A first non-return valve (32) and a second non-return valve (33) are arranged in the chamber (21). The housing (14) defines an inlet (22) and outlets (23, 24). Assembly (12) also comprises feed port means (34) arranged to allow fluid to flow from the inlet (22) to the first non-return valve (32). The first non-return valve (32) is arranged to let fluid flow from a master cylinder (11) through the inlet (22) and through the outlets (23, 24) towards a caliper (1) to apply a brake. Return port means (50) are arranged to allow fluid to flow from the outlets (23, 24) to the second non-return valve (33). The second non-return valve (33) is arranged to let fluid flow from a caliper through the outlets (23, 24) and through the inlet (22) towards a master cylinder (11). The assembly also comprises a restrictor port (52) between the outlet and the second non-return valve.

Abstract: An automatic braking system for a motor vehicle includes a spring actuated parking brake, a service brake, a vehicle sensor, and a controller. When the service brake is in a switch applied actuated state, if it is determined that the energy source for the service brake is not sustainable, the controller controls the parking brake and the service brake so as to automatically actuate the parking brake and to automatically release the service brake from the actuated state.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel is provided with a roll-related reactive system. The roll-related reactive system provides braking of at least one of the front wheels independent of braking initiated by an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for compressed-air brakes having a control valve, comprising a housing, a piston rod, a piston, a second piston, a double-seat valve, having a control element, having a supply air reservoir, having a control chamber, having a main air pipe; one side of the piston being connected in a compressed-air carrying manner with the main air pipe; the other side of the piston being connected in a compressed-air carrying manner with the control chamber; one side of the second piston having a compressed-air connection to a brake cylinder or a brake cylinder pilot chamber; the double-seat valve being connected between a compressed-air connection of the supply air reservoir and the compressed-air connection to the brake cylinder or to the brake cylinder pilot chamber.

Abstract: A combination valve assembly provides dual functionality within a single valve housing. In one example, the valve operates as a combination inversion valve and quick release valve. In another example, the combination valve operates as an inversion valve and a relay valve. The valve is particularly useful for controlling the operation of a spring applied, air release brake actuator in a heavy vehicle braking arrangement. A valve designed according to this invention preferably also provides anti-compounding features.

Abstract: A brake force control apparatus performs brake assist control (BA control) to increase brake fluid pressure in order to generate a greater brake force than that generated during normal operation when it has been determined that emergency braking has been performed by a driver. The brake force control apparatus prohibits BA control with respect to the rear wheels and supplies a large brake fluid pressure only to the front wheels when conditions for performing BA control have been established (step 100) and an absolute value of a lateral acceleration Gy exceeds a predetermined value K (step 102). As a result, a reduction of cornering force of the rear wheels attendant upon performance of BA control is itself reduced and a tendency to oversteer is thereby suppressed.

Abstract: A brake operating speed detecting device includes a plurality of filters having different cut-off frequencies and inputs thereto a vehicle body deceleration that changes at the time of braking. The state of distribution of output values obtained through the filters, or the difference d between the output values, corresponds to the rising speed of the vehicle body deceleration. Because the rising speed corresponds to the brake operating speed, the brake operating speed can be detected from the state of distribution of the output values or the difference d.

Abstract: A single-operation valve assembly useful in such braking system applications, as well as others, includes a flow passage and a valve member located within the flow passage at a first position in which the valve member prevents fluid flow from an upstream side of the valve member to a downstream side of the valve member. The valve member and flow passage are configured for movement of the valve member from the first position along the flow passage to a second position along the flow passage when a pressure difference between the upstream side of the valve member and the downstream side of the valve member exceeds a threshold level. The valve member and the flow passage are also configured for free flow of fluid along the flow passage in either direction when the valve member moves to the second position. Thus, in a braking system circuit the subject valve assembly does not interfere with fluid flow in the circuit after the valve member has been blown to the second position.

Abstract: An electropneumatic brake controller of the present invention including a main reservoir, pneumatic brake pipe relay and first and second restrictions connected in series with the main reservoir, the brake pipe relay and brake pipe and first electropneumatic valve connected in parallel to the second restriction. The second restriction is smaller than the first restriction. The first electropneumatic valve is responsive to an electric release signal to cut out the second restriction. When the two restrictions are in series, this is the running mode whereas when the second restriction is cut out, this is the release mode. A control unit controls the electropneumatic valves to produce an overcharge cycle in response to a release brake signal. This cycle includes overcharging the brake pipe, holding the overcharged condition for a fixed period of time and bleeding to a normal release brake pipe pressure.

Abstract: A test connector adapter plate for use with a pipe bracket portion of a freight brake control valve of a railway freight vehicle and with a portable automated single car brake tester. The pipe bracket portion having four test ports vertically disposed on a front side of such pipe bracket portion for single car brake testing. These test ports are fluidly connected to passageways within the pipe bracket for communicating fluid pressure with brake pipe, brake cylinder, emergency reservoir and auxiliary reservoir, respectively. A first member of the test connector adapter plate is engagable with the test ports on such front side of the pipe bracket portion for accessing the passageways respectively communicating to brake pipe, brake cylinder, emergency reservoir and auxiliary reservoir and are fluidly connected to respective passageways within the adapter plate.

Abstract: A brake system valve having an anti-compounding feature is provided, comprising: a brake housing; a vent port in the housing; first and second control ports in the housing; a piston mounted within the housing, the piston having a passage connecting the vent port in fluid communication with the first control port when the piston is in a first position, the piston moveable to a second position to seal the vent within the housing.

Abstract: An air-drying system, in particular for the pneumatic braking systems of rail vehicles, including at least two air-drying chambers (1L, 1R) interconnected with one another via first and second regeneration lines (2 and 2'). In a reversibly switchable manner one of the chambers is used for air drying and the respective other chamber is used for regeneration of the air-drying agent (adsorbate) contained in the chambers. The second regeneration line (2') can be switched on and off as necessary to provide two different flow rates of regeneration air.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting brake pipe, brake cylinder, emergency and auxiliary reservoir ports on a standard pipe bracket to an electropneumatic control valve. The adaptor also includes threaded post to mount the electropneumatic valve to the adaptor and fastener apertures to receive fasteners to mount the adaptor to the pipe bracket.

Abstract: Electropneumatic brake control valve for control of brakes on a railway vehicle. It has a supply valve and release valve moved by a common displaceable actuator. The supply valve connects an air supply passage to a delivery passage and the release valve connects the delivery passage to an exhaust. The delivery passage is for supplying air to a brake shoe application device. The invention has a feedback space having pressure connection to the delivery passage. A portion of the common displaceable actuator is located within the feedback space, as is a positioner for the common displaceable actuator. The positioner has at least three force and displacement communication portions. The first communicates a first force and a first displacement with the common displaceable actuator. The invention has a pressure defining member which defines pressure by its position. It communicates a second force and a second displacement with the second one of the force and displacement communication portions.

Abstract: A variable capacity electropneumatic control valve using analog electropneumatic supply and release valve to control the control valve output and a relay valves to add extra capacity when the required capacity exceeds that of the analog valves.

Abstract: A system for electronically controlling brakes on a train is responsive to a brake handle positionable into any one of a plurality of discrete positions. The discrete brake control system includes a cab station unit, a brake control unit, a comm channel and a direct communication device. The cab station unit generates both a base signal stream and a dedicated signal stream. The base signal stream is indicative of parameters for operating the system including the discrete brake handle positions. The dedicated signal stream is solely indicative of the discrete brake handle positions. The brake control unit controls operation of the brakes in coordinated response to both the base and the dedicated signal streams. The comm channel is the route through which the base signal stream is communicated from the cab station unit to the brake control unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic receptacle adapted to receive a pneumatic connector head of a test device is mounted in a universal location remote from the brake control valve of a railroad freight car. The remotely mounted receptacle may be located on the railroad car body, for example, and is communicated with access ports associated with the control valve via hoses or conduits. In locating the receptacle on the car body, hook-up of the test device can be accomplished conveniently and in a safe manner by railroad personnel in the course of conducting a single car test to check the condition of the car brakes, regardless of the control valve location.

Abstract: A portable, single-car test unit for a railway freight brake control valve for manually executing pressure manipulations to evaluate the operating conditions of the control valve. The pipe bracket portion is connected to a brake pipe, an auxiliary reservoir, an emergency reservoir, a brake cylinder retaining valve and a brake cylinder each being connected to a respective fluid passageway. The test unit accesses the fluid passageways at access ports, respectively connected to each passageway. Valves are utilized in the test unit to manipulate the pressure in the fluid passageways and pressure gauges measure fluid pressure in the passageways. An operator records each pressure measurement and calculates and stores the differences between selected pairs of the pressure measurements as well as elapsed time data for the measurements.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit (19, 25, 42, 80, 96) which is to be connected to a pressure supply line (20) and a control line (22) to enable priming of the control line (20) so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve (11) controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line (20) to the control line (22) for a predetermined time period to prime the control line (22).

Abstract: A pipe bracket for use in a freight brake control valve on a railway freight vehicle is provided. Four access ports are preferably provided on a first side of the pipe bracket. The freight car piping, including a brake pipe, brake cylinder line, emergency reservoir line and an auxiliary reservoir line are connected to a second side of the pipe bracket. The freight brake control valve further includes an service portion coupled with a third side of the pipe bracket and an emergency portion coupled with a fourth side of the pipe bracket. A plurality of passageways are included within the pipe bracket for providing fluid communication from the freight car piping to the service portion and the emergency portion. The access ports are preferably connected to each of the passageways within the pipe bracket to permit testing of the fluid pressures within the passageways.

Abstract: A pressure medium actuated braking system comprises a first (rear axle) braking circuit, a second (front axle) braking circuit, and a multi-circuit braking power imparting device, such as a motorcar brake valve. The motorcar brake valve produces first and second control signals for the first and second braking circuits. The first braking circuit has a first pressure medium storage container assigned to it, at least one braking cylinder, and a first control valve system which connects the braking cylinder to the first pressure medium storage container or to a pressure medium sink (atmosphere) depending on the first control signal. The second braking circuit has a second pressure medium storage container, first and second braking cylinders, and a second control valve system. The second control valve system comprises first and second control valves assigned to the first and second brake cylinders respectively of the second braking circuit.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly in which a piston member is outfitted with a plastic insulator between the metal piston member and a cover with which the piston member is otherwise engageable in one case and between the metal piston member and a valve actuator stem with which the piston member is otherwise engageable in another case, thereby preventing metal-to-metal contact therebetween and consequent metallic abrasion and pulverization.

Abstract: A pipe bracket portion of a freight brake control valve having an improved filter arrangement. The pipe bracket portion has a first side with a service portion and an emergency portion mounted thereto. The pipe bracket portion has a second side with a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a emergency reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir thereto. The pipe bracket portion is provided with a cavity designed for containing a generally cylindrical filter therein. A retaining nut secures the filter in the cavity and provides a seal between the outer circumference of one end of the cylindrical filter and the pipe bracket portion. A first cavity portion and a second cavity portion are thus formed within the cavity in which the first cavity portion houses the cylindrical filter, and the second cavity portion has at least one radial port for delivering air.

Abstract: A portable, microprocessor controlled single-car test unit for a railway freight brake control valve for automatically executing pressure manipulations to evaluate the operating conditions of the control valve. The pipe bracket portion is connected to a brake pipe, an auxiliary reservoir, an emergency reservoir, a brake cylinder retaining valve and a brake cylinder each being connected to a respective fluid passageway. The test unit accesses the fluid passageways at access ports, respectively connected to each passageway. Valves are utilized in the test unit to manipulate the pressure in the fluid passageways and pressure transducers measure fluid pressure in the passageways. The pressure transducers are controlled by a computer having a microprocessor connected to an input output device. The computer records and stores each pressure measurement, and calculates and stores the differences between selected pairs of the pressure measurements as well as elapsed time data for the measurements.

Abstract: A pipe bracket for use in a freight brake control valve on a railway freight vehicle. A service portion and an emergency portion are mounted to a first pipe bracket side directed opposite to the first pipe bracket side. Piping to a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, an emergency reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir are connected to a second side of the pipe bracket. A plurality of passageways are provided through the pipe bracket portion for providing fluid communication from the brake pipe, the brake cylinder, the emergency reservoir, and the auxiliary reservoir to the service portion and the emergency portion. One or more and preferably four access ports connect to one or more and preferably each of the passageways. Preferably, the access ports are provided on the first side of the pipe bracket portion. A housing having one or more channels, each corresponding to an access port is engaged to the pipe bracket portion so that fluid pressure at the access ports can be transmitted to the housing.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit (19, 25, 42, 80, 96) which is to be connected to a pressure supply line (20) and a control line (22) to enable priming of the control line (20) so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve (11) controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line (20) to the control line (22) for a predetermined time period to prime the control line (22).