Abstract: A progressive brake lining wear having a triangular wedged shaped resistive member disposed between a pair of conductive plates to define a triangular shaped sensor. The sensor is disposed within an erodable molding and connected to a sensing circuit. A pair of leads are connected one each to a ground lead and a resistive lead which in turn are connected to a closed sensing circuit. The ground lead and resistance lead and thermistor lead emerge from the encapsulated sensor for connection to the sensing circuit. The sensor is disposed within the brake lining and is connected to the brake shoe. As the brake lining progressively wears, the triangular wedged shaped resistive member is progressively worn away thus continuously changing the overall resistance of the sensor. The change in resistance provides for continuous indicates of the state of wear.

Abstract: A controlled brake booster that may have an external trigger is provided. The brake booster includes a control circuit, an electromagnet positioned within the control circuit that activates the brake booster, a superordinated function unit and at least one signal processing device for determining a parameter that is related to the temperature of the electromagnet from values processed in the control circuit. Nominal value for the electromagnet, in the form of a mathematical model, and actual values pertaining to the electromagnet are processed in the control circuit. A preferred embodiment of the booster utilizes internal magnetic signals without requiring special temperature sensory equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a vehicle combination made up of a tractor vehicle and a trailer or semitrailer. For this purpose, the apparatus contains a first determination arrangement used to determine an inflection angle variable that describes the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tractor vehicle and the longitudinal axis of the trailer or semitrailer. The apparatus also contains a processing arrangement with which a comparison is performed as a function of the inflection angle variable and a comparison variable. The apparatus contains a first actuator arrangement associated with the trailer or semitrailer and with which a brake pressure can be established at at least one wheel of the trailer or semitrailer. The first actuator arrangement is actuated at least as a function of the comparison performed with the processing arrangement.

Abstract: During traveling of rolling stock on a route, running velocity of the rolling stock is detected. Vertical acceleration is also detected at a carbody above spring rigging of truck and a component is extracted in a predetermined frequency range from the vertical acceleration. When an absolute value of the vertical acceleration in the frequency range exceeds preset limit vertical acceleration corresponding to running velocity, the rolling stock is judged as being derailed. In another embodiment double integral of the vertical acceleration is carried out every predetermined evaluating time to calculate a vertical displacement amount. In the case that the vertical displacement amount is negative and an absolute value thereof is not less than a predetermined reference value, it is then determined that the rolling-stock is derailed.

Abstract: A force detecting load cell, which is designed to be a direct replacement for existing anchor pins, is used as the load-bearing member and measuring and diagnostic device in brake systems. The working dimensions of the cell and the parts replaced are the same, except that the cell has short zones of decreased diameter so that strains are concentrated in these zones. Electrical strain gages are positioned within these zones with connections to exterior measuring and monitoring instrumentation. The arrangement and orientation of the gages in the concentrating zones permit measurement of the applied brake loads both as to magnitude and direction.

Abstract: An improved method of diagnosing conditions of a vehicle braking system that degrade the braking effectiveness informs the driver of the condition so that repair or adjustment can be timely made. The relationship between brake pedal position and vehicle deceleration is determined during a calibration interval to construct a calibration table of brake effectiveness, and then periodically over the life of the braking system to develop a current brake effectiveness table. Braking system abnormalities that impair the braking effectiveness are diagnosed by analyzing the table values.

Abstract: A vehicle brake leakage detector installs between a vehicle brake pedal and a reference point such as a steering wheel, for testing vehicle hydraulic brake systems, and, specifically, for detecting brake fluid leaks. A brake contact at one end of the detector contacts the vehicle brake pedal and a reference end at the opposite end of the detector contacts any tangible reference location, such as a steering wheel. Force means are associated with the detector for applying force for pressurizing the vehicle brake fluid when the detector is installed. A sensor detects relative movement between the brake contact and reference end to determine whether any brake fluid leaks are present. An output source indicates whether any brake fluid leaks are detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring brake bias in a brake system on a vehicle includes a brake bias measuring pad, such that the brake bias measuring pad is operatively positioned within a brake caliper in the brake system. The apparatus also includes a load measuring mechanism disposed within the brake bias measuring pad, such that the load measuring mechanism measures a load applied by a brake caliper piston on the brake bias measuring pad. The method includes the steps of measuring a load applied by a brake caliper piston on a brake bias measuring pad operatively positioned within a brake caliper in a brake assembly of the brake system. The method also includes the steps of determining a brake caliper pressure based on the load applied by a brake caliper piston on the brake bias measuring pad and determining a load in the brake caliper based on the caliper pressure.

Abstract: A wear detection probe is provided to cushion an impact from a rotor to the wear detection probe and to hold the wear detection probe in a specified position during the contact with the rotor. For these purposes, a biasing mount plate 16 is formed with biasing pieces 21. A stopper mount plate 15 is formed with stopper pieces 19, and a wear detection probe 10 is provided with locking pins 14. When being subjected to an impact from a rotor R, the wear detection probe 10 moves backward while the biasing pieces 21 undergo an elastic deformation by being pushed by the locking pins 14, with the result that the impact is cushioned. When the wear detection probe 10 moves backward, the locking pins 14 come into contact with the stopper pieces 19 and, accordingly, the wear detection probe 10 is held in contact with the rotor R while being held in the specified position.

Abstract: A force detecting load cell, which is designed to be a direct replacement for existing anchor pins, is used as the load-bearing member and measuring and diagnostic device in brake systems. The working dimensions of the cell and the parts replaced are the same, except that the cell has short zones of decreased diameter so that strains are concentrated in these zones. Electrical strain gages are positioned within these zones with connections to exterior measuring and monitoring instrumentation. The arrangement and orientation of the gages in the concentrating zones permit measurement of the applied brake loads both as to magnitude and direction.

Abstract: A force detecting load cell, which is designed to be a direct replacement for existing anchor pins, is used as the load-bearing member and measuring and diagnostic device in brake systems. The working dimensions of the cell and the parts replaced are the same, except that the cell has short zones of decreased diameter so that strains are concentrated in these zones. Electrical strain gages are positioned within these zones with connections to exterior measuring and monitoring instrumentation. The arrangement and orientation of the gages in the concentrating zones permit measurement of the applied brake loads both as to magnitude and direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the effectiveness of a vehicle braking system and for measuring changes in the mass of a wheeled vehicle. The method and apparatus include manually or automatically measuring and inputting vehicle mass to a computer, measuring and inputting brake system pressure during deceleration of the vehicle in a normal operating mode, measuring and inputting road slope, measuring and inputting air friction and engine friction of the vehicle, determining a predicted deceleration of the vehicle, measuring actual deceleration of the vehicle, and providing and using a computer to calculate the effectiveness of the vehicle braking system from data representing actual deceleration of the vehicle, road slope, air friction, engine friction, brake system pressure, vehicle mass, and predicted deceleration for the vehicle under comparable circumstances, and generating a signal representative of the effectiveness of the vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A device for detecting measured quantities of a drive vehicle, in particular of a tractor, and/or measured quantities of a trailer or semitrailer operatively connected to the drive vehicle. In addition to a coupling device for transmission of force between the drive vehicle and the trailer or semitrailer, at least one connecting device is present. At least one first detection arrangement for detecting a measured quantity of the drive vehicle and/or at least one second detection arrangement for detecting a measured quantity of the trailer or semitrailer is inserted in the connecting device.

Abstract: A single car tester including a housing having a hanger to mount the housing to a car coupler or ladder of the car. Various configurations of valves and sensors are described to perform a single car test. The controller includes a program for uniquely performing the required tests.

Abstract: A system and associated method of economizing engine operation by automatically shifting the transmission of a motorized vehicle into a neutral gear from a drive gear when specific, predetermined conditions of the vehicle concurrently exist. A first sensing assembly is designed and structured to monitor and determine the engine speed of the vehicle in terms of RPM. A second sensing assembly is designed and structured to monitor and determine the braking condition of the vehicle at least to the extent that the brakes are applied. A transmission control assembly is operatively connected to the transmission of the vehicle and is-structured to shift the vehicle transmission from a lower drive gear to the neutral gear when the first predetermined condition relating to engine speed of the vehicle and the second predetermined condition relating to the braking mode of the vehicle concurrently exist.

Abstract: The invention provides a brake lining wear indicator for use with a brake pad/shoe having a friction lining secured to a plate. The indicator includes a flag positionable adjacent a thickness of the lining, and a base and a resilient member for clipping the indicator onto the plate. The base rigidly extends from the flag, generally perpendicular to the flag and is positionable against a side of the plate. The resilient member is for extending to the other side of the plate to clamp the base against the plate and secure the flag adjacent the thickness of the lining. The thickness of the lining can then be compared to the height of the flag to determine the amount of lining wear.

Abstract: A sensor is attached to a backing plate of a brake pad. The sensor comprises a metal arm extending to one side of the brake pad. The metal arm is electrically insulated from the backing plate. A tab made from a dielectric material projects from a free end of the arm in the same direction that the brake pad extends from the backing plate. The tab is bonded to the arm by an electrically conductive paste. The tab has a wear face spaced from the backing plate the same distance as a brake surface of the brake pad. When a brake is applied by a vehicle operator, both the brake pad brake surface and the tab wear face frictionally engage a brake rotor fixed to a wheel hub. The dielectric material is selected so the tab wears at the same rate as the brake pad. A lead wire connected to the arm enables the capacitance of the tab to be measured by a grounded capacitance meter when the brake is applied. The capacitance changes as the dielectric material wears away.

Abstract: A torque-measuring device for an elevator brake measures the elastic deformation of active parts of a brake, for example, a shoe brake. In that case, regions with a reduced bending moment resistance are formed at the brake levers and elastically deform under the action of braking torque. The elastic deformation is detected by strain gauge strips arranged in these regions and connected as a measuring bridge and the generated voltage signals are provided to an elevator control as reference signals by an analog-to-digital converter and a microprocessor. The elevator control uses these reference signals to generate in a drive motor a motor torque compensating for the measured torque before the release of the brake. Thus, the resulting torque at the brake shaft is zero and a jerk-free start of the elevator car, without a torque jump, results therefrom after release of the brake.

Abstract: Device for indicating wear of the pads of friction material in so-called floating calipers used in the disc brakes of vehicle wheels and generally comprising a caliper body (13) which is mounted so that it can slide axially by means of at least one hole (12) on at least one guide pin (10, 11), one end of which is rigidly connected, directly or indirectly, to the wheel stub axle, the axis of the guide pin and of the corresponding hole in the caliper body being perpendicular to the plane of the brake disc (18), a pair of pads (19, 20) positioned so that they straddle the disc (18), and a hydraulic piston (26) which acts directly on one (19) of the said pads and indirectly on the other pad (20), via the said caliper body (13). The device includes a linear electrical displacement transducer (34, 35) positioned between a point (32) integral with the said guide pin (10, 11) and a point (38) integral with the said caliper body (13) which slides with respect to the guide pin (10, 11).

Abstract: While a vehicle is running on a bench type of testing apparatus for inspecting a cornering control mechanism, the connection of one of drums on which one of the left and right driving wheels is mounted is released from the other drums. Then, the rotational speed of one of the driving wheels increases and the rotational speed of the other of the driving wheels decreases. At this time, a controller mounted on the vehicle judges that the vehicle is in an oversteering state, and the brake of one of the driving wheels is switched on (or operated). Then, based on the deceleration of one of the driving wheels, a discrimination is made as to whether the cornering control mechanism has operated normally or not. Since the rotational speed of one of the driving wheels decreases also when an accelerator is switched off (or pressing down of the accelerator pedal is released), a discrimination is made based on the deceleration of the other of the driving wheels as to whether the accelerator is switched off or not.

Abstract: A testing system and method are provided for an electronically controlled braking system to determine whether the solenoids of each of the modulators are properly wired. According to the test, each modulator is tested in sequence. The exhaust solenoid of a modulator is actuated multiple times and the hold solenoid of a modulator is actuated once. Discrete signals will evidence whether the modulator solenoids have been properly wired.

Abstract: A device for measuring the braking moment in a motor vehicle with disk brakes incorporates a measuring hub mounted on a wheel axle and connected with a wheel rim. Viewed in the radial direction, the hub is divided into an inner part close to the axle and an outer part that forms the marginal area of the measuring hub and surrounds the inner part concentrically. These two sections are connected to one another by ribs which extend radially, with sensors mounted thereon for measuring the bending stress acting on the ribs as a result of the introduction of a torque. In order to determine the braking moments acting on the disk brake without superimposition of other moments acting on the vehicle wheel, the brake disk of a braking device of the motor vehicle surrounds the outer part of the hub concentrically, and is fastened only to the outer part.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for monitoring leakage currents of a circuit which includes a plurality of valve coils connected in parallel to a supply line and adapted to be connected to ground by way of individual switches, and wherein the supply line is connected by way of a main switch to the positive pole of the supply voltage source and, further, to a testing current source used as a test signal source, is designed such that prior to each closing of the main switch, with the individual switches still open, the testing current source is connected to the supply voltage source and thereby activated. The result is an increase of the voltage potential on the supply line. A comparator establishes the difference between the potentials on the supply line and the supply voltage. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, this indicates leakage current.

Abstract: To prevent a detecting electric wire (20) of a brake pad from moving, a stopper member (12) is provided in a holder (10). Two wires (22) extending a wire holder, are made to intersect close to the posterior of a stopper (12), and are maintained in this intersecting state by a cable tie (13). The stopper member (12) engages the intersecting portion (23) of the wire (20) in a posterior direction, thereby preventing the wire (20) from moving in an anterior direction even under a strong pulling force from the rotor R.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: In a brake system with electromechanical actuation, a test run is carried out when the vehicle is started, in the course of which at least one wheel brake is acted on by a control signal, which corresponds to a predetermined minimum braking action. If this minimum braking action is not reached in any one of the wheel brakes, the parking brake is not unlocked.

Abstract: A brake tester which is capable of mapping the position of the brake shoe in its extended position. The tester includes a plurality of sensors which are mounted about the brake assembly. The sensors are capable of measuring the distance between the sensor and the brake shoe. In the preferred embodiment, laser sensors are rotated about the brake assembly while the brake shoe is fully extended. The sensed signal is recorded and compiled to generate a mapping of the brake shoe. Alternatively, a plurality of stationary capacitive proximity sensors are disposed about the brake shoe generating a distance signal indicative of the distance between the brake shoe and a simulated drum surface. Such mapping tests for accurate displacement of the brake shoe can predict premature shoe wear and particular wear zones. A secondary function maps the entire surface of the brake shoe lining/friction pad when initial contact is made with the drum surface using the laser sensor.

Abstract: A mount construction of a wear detection probe for a brake pad is provided which is capable of absorbing an image caused by a contact of the wear detection probe with a rotor. Coil springs 42 are mounted on bolts 41 used to mount a bracket 30 on a support base 12, and the bracket 30 is held in close contact with the support base 12 by biasing forces thereof. When the probe 20 is brought into contact with a rotor upon the application of braking, the coil springs 42 are compressively deformed, thereby absorbing an impact caused by a contact of the rotor 10 and the probe 20. The mount construction of the probe 20 has an enhanced reliability by absorbing the impact on the probe 20.

Abstract: An oil contamination detection assembly includes a housing adapted for installation into a vehicular pneumatic brake system having a supply of air contaminated with oil. A surface is disposed within the housing for communicating with the air of the brake system and accumulating a film of the oil contaminating the air. A sensor directs a wave, such as an electromagnetic wave, having a predetermined characteristic at the surface, receives a wave reflected from the surface having a characteristic altered by the film of oil accumulated on the surface, and produces an oil contamination warning signal based upon the altered characteristic of the reflected wave.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic device for checking electrical signalling systems of school buses and/or tractor trailers. The device has several receptacles for connection to a corresponding receptacle or pin connector of a school bus and most types of trailers. One electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or illumination circuits of the trailer individually, and indicating lamps for annunciating circuit operability. Another electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or illumination circuits of the school bus individually, and indicating lamps for annunciating circuit operability. The device, which is contained on a wheeled cart, has its own power supply and circuit overcurrent protective devices, and is thus independent of a school bus and a tractor, both of which normally generate the signals. The device enables a shop to perform a safety check for many varieties of school buses and trailers.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system for a railcar to provide power for electrically driven accessories on the railcar which includes a generator driven by an air motor, wherein free air to the air motor is derived from air operating the braking system on the railcar, and particularly air that is exhausted to the atmosphere during braking operations.

Abstract: A system detects cut-out of brakes on a train in a safe manner. Each vehicle in the train has at least one truck. Each truck has brakes which may be cut-out via a cut-out cock. A frequency generator generates a signal at a predesignated frequency. This signal is conveyed from a first vehicle in the train to a last vehicle in the train along a feed line and from the last vehicle to the first vehicle along a return line. Each cut-out cock assumes an open position wherein the brakes of its truck are cut-in or a closed position wherein the brakes of its truck are cut-out. Each cut-out cock features a switch in series with the return line that closes when its cutout cock assumes the open position or opens when its cutout cock assumes the closed position. A frequency divider for each switch connects in parallel therewith. When the switch is closed, the signal passes through the switch wherein division of frequency is avoided.

Abstract: In a brake system with electromechanical actuation, a test run is carried out when the vehicle is started, in the course of which at least one wheel brake is acted on by a control signal, which corresponds to a predetermined minimum braking action. If this minimum braking action is not reached in any one of the wheel brakes, the parking brake is not unlocked.

Abstract: A brake hydraulic pressure detector includes a bridge circuit made up of a semiconductor sensor which generates a detection voltage in accordance with hydraulic pressure and resistors for setting the detection voltage during nonbraking to a nonzero predetermined voltage, an adder circuit for amplifying and generating the detection voltage from the bridge circuit by a predetermined gain, and an output circuit. Here, if the sensitivity of an output voltage with respect to the hydraulic pressure varies, i.e., if the gain varies for some reason, the output voltage during nonbraking also changes because the offset voltage is set to a nonzero voltage. Thus, abnormality in the sensitivity of the brake hydraulic pressure detector can be detected by monitoring the output voltage during nonbraking.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: A device and process for monitoring the condition of the tires of a vehicle and of their environment is disclosed. The device uses a central unit and a wheel module with at least one measuring sensor for each wheel. The module is electrically connected to a rotating antenna firmly attached to the hub of the wheel, as well as a stationary antenna firmly attached to the hub housing of the wheel and connected to the rotating antenna. The stationary antenna is electrically connected to the central unit for transmitting to the driver the results of the measurements and/or an alarm if an abnormal condition of the tires is detected and the antennae being laid out in the environment of the braking mechanisms of the wheel and characterized in that it includes a sensor for estimating the temperature of the braking mechanism. The sensor includes one of the antennae being sensitive to variations in temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for operator controlled purging of the tanks of a pressurized air reservoir of a vehicle air system comprises an air actuated normally closed drain valve mounted to an underside of each tank, a source of pressurized air engaged to each drain valve, and a controller for each valve engaged downstream of the source, and within a driver area of the vehicle, the controller when activated, allowing for communication between the source and the drain valve for opening of the valve. The method for using the apparatus in testing air system integrity includes the steps of draining and refilling each tank individually in a pre-defined sequence while monitoring driver area mounted indicators of air pressure levels and testing functionality of an air system operated service brake system of the vehicle by carrying out the pre-defined sequence.

Abstract: For the detection of undissolved gas in the brake system; hydraulic pressure is built up and at least one characteristic value for the pressure buildup such as the master cylinder pressure, the brake pedal distance, the drop in storage chamber pressure, etc., is checked to see if it exceeds a predetermined limit value. If this limit value is exceeded, it is assumed that there is an unacceptable amount of undissolved gas in the hydraulic component of the brake system.

Abstract: A brake warning system for vehicles with pneumatic air brakes monitors various factors to provide an indication of a pending or actual brake failure condition. According to one embodiment, vehicle brakes are tested by determining a delay time between pressure changes in a control brake line from a treadle valve and the response of the brake. According to another embodiment, brake performance is measured by monitoring applied brake line pressure versus known brake performance values. Measurements are taken with the brakes in a known good condition, during a "training mode," and data is then compared, on a continuous basis, with data acquired by ongoing measurements. The invention provides an on-board, real-time, assessment of vehicle brake performance, through measurement of a relatively small number of parameters.

Abstract: An adapter converts a conventional two-way end of train unit (EOT) to a dual purpose EOT that can be used conventionally for those trains not equipped with a power line for the new electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) freight train brake standard but which can be quickly and inexpensively modified to change the function of the EOT from the normal two-way EOT function to the ECP EOT function as defined by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). An electronics package or adapter plugs into the battery compartment of the standard EOT and makes connections with the standard EOT electrical connectors that are located in the battery compartment. This adapter is designed to communicate with the standard EOT microprocessor and to configure the standard EOT in a way that the standard EOT in combination with the adapter functions as an ECP EOT rather than as a standard EOT.

Abstract: A method is provided for at least approximately determining the frictional value utilized between a wheel and the roadway. The method uses a vehicle weight that is determined, at least approximately, and a momentary actuating energy of a brake that is determined during a braking action. The method calculates the frictional value from the momentary actuating energy, the vehicle weight, and the wheel braking factor. In another embodiment, the method determines, at least approximately, the momentary vehicle deceleration. The frictional value is calculated from the momentary vehicle deceleration during braking and the Earth's gravitational acceleration.

Abstract: A brake heat gauge for use with a vehicle with a plurality of wheels each with at least one brake shoe adapted to frictionally engage an associated brake drum upon the braking of the vehicle. The present invention includes a plurality of heat sensors each mounted on a corresponding brake shoe and adapted to transmit via the transmission wire a temperature signal representative of a temperature of the brake shoe. Also provided is a control panel situated within a cab of the vehicle which includes a temperature meter for visually indicating a temperature represented by a temperature signal upon the receipt thereof, a light emitting diode digital display adapted to display a number, a warning light adapted to emit light upon the actuation thereof, and an audible alarm adapted to transmit a sound upon the actuation thereof. Finally, a controller is connected via the transmission wires between the heat sensors of each of the wheels and the temperature meter, digital display, warning light, and audible alarm.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: In at least one operating situation, especially while the vehicle is stopped, pressure is built up in a defined manner and then released for test purposes without waiting for a steady state value to be reached. On the basis of the pressure-time or force-time curve in at least one wheel brake, a determination is made on whether or not an unacceptable amount of undissolved gas is present in the brake system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring brake performance and updating information relating to brake performance while a train is in motion. A computer on the train is provided with inputs for grade information, axle speed, brakepipe pressure, and locomotive tractive effort. During brake applications when the train is in motion, calculations are made by the computer to update parameters which relate to braking performance, and to generate signals representing those parameters.

Abstract: For use with control valves having test ports via which various pressures may be accessed in performing an automatic single car brake test, there is provided a test plate via which such control valves may be conditioned to obtain faster charging of the brake equipment when performing the brake test with a manual single car tester. The test plate interconnects the test ports such that the test pressure supplied to the car brake pipe charges the brake equipment in by-pass of the charging choke in the control valve.

Abstract: A vehicle yaw rate control method comprising the steps of: first estimating vehicle yaw rate responsive to a first set of criteria; second estimating vehicle yaw rate responsive to a second set of criteria, wherein the first set of criteria includes a first vehicle condition not included in the second set of criteria and wherein the second set of criteria includes a second vehicle condition not included in the first set of criteria; measuring vehicle yaw rate using a yaw rate sensor; and indicating a reverse travel condition if both of the first and second estimates have signs opposite to a sign of the measured vehicle yaw rate.

Abstract: A portable, hand held device for testing the air brakes of a tractor trailer type truck. The device is generally comprised of an elongated body having a cavity bored therein which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body, and an inlet and outlet attached to opposite ends thereof. A valve assembly consisting of a series of co-linearly mounted, axially displacable springs and plungers are operatively positioned within the bore, and effectively open or close the fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. A first hose extends between a compressed air tank and the inlet, and a second hose extends between the outlet and the glad hand of the truck. A lever is pivotally attached to the body for effecting operation of the valve assembly, and thus may be selectively moved to effect the flow of compressed air from the compressed air tank to the glad hand.

Abstract: A brake lining temperature and wear sensor having a plurality of serially connected wire loops and a resistive temperature sensor having a lower range of resistance than any one resistor mounted in a cavity formed in the brake lining where a plurality of resistors are connected one to each wire loop to be sequentially connected to a sensor circuit as the brake lining wears and breaks each wire loop. A control unit provides an electrical current to the sensor circuit and monitors the electrical potential across the plurality of wire loops and the resistive temperature sensor and then generating an output signal representing the temperature and wear of the brake lining. In an alternate embodiment, a capacitor is connected across the plurality of wire loops and a resistive temperature sensor with a large range of resistance is used to monitor the brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A brake pad wear probe contains a plurality of terminals turned or bent into a U-shape with their tip positions offset from each other. The terminals are cut in stages according to the wear development degree of the brake pad. The terminals define energization routes to electro-magnetic coils at relays, and the broken line state of the terminal can be detected at the respective relay by detection of a break in its corresponding energization route. As a result, electro-magnetic switches work in response to the wear development degree, turning on predetermined indicator lamps of a display to inform a driver of the brake wear condition.