Abstract: A spring brake cylinder assembly in which a pushrod connectable to a brake assembly is extendable from an end of such cylinder housing the piston member. The spring brake cylinder further includes a clutch release mechanism for manually releasing the brake force being applied.

Abstract: In a spring suspension of an actuating piston, essentially consisting of a spring plate, a control spring acting on the spring plate and a nut as connection between actuating piston and spring plate, an intermediate underlay (5) is arranged between spring plate (2) and nut (4). The supporting surfaces of the intermediate underlay (5) with respect to the spring plate (2) and the nut (4) are formed by several mutually offset rolling elements (6a, 6b).

Abstract: A spring brake actuator for a rail vehicle brake unit, comprising a cylinder and a rod shaped member. The actuator includes a cylinder-shaped housing, a piston with a piston rod and a spring intended to act in a brake applying direction.In order to obtain a truly modular system the actuator, as an integrated and self-contained unit, is arranged on the rod-shaped member of the brake unit. Its housing is attached to the brake unit cylinder. The actuator piston rod is tubular and slidable on the rod-shaped member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring brake cylinder for use on motor vehicles. The cylinder is actuated to a release position in response to fluid pressure. The cylinder includes a spring actuator inserted between the brake cylinder base and a spring brake piston. A tensioning device is provided which mechanically acts upon the spring brake piston and facilitates adjustment of the distance between the spring brake piston and the cylinder base. The spring brake piston and the spring actuator can be assembled into a pretensioned unit outside the spring brake cylinder.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve with an inner valve stem biased toward a valve open position by a helical compression spring is pneumatically operated by an actuator having a piston biased by a stack of disc springs against an outer valve stem, separated from the inner valve stem by a diaphragm gas seal, to urge the inner valve stem to a valve closed position. While the force exerted on the inner valve stem by the disc springs exceeds that applied by the helical spring so that the valve is normally biased closed, pneumatic pressure applied to the piston moves the piston away from the outer valve member so that the helical spring moves the inner valve stem to the open position.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator assembly 10 for gate valves 13 having a slab gate 21 with a port 22 adapted to be placed in registry with the flow passage through the valve wherein the valve is moved to open position by application of fluid pressure to the actuator piston 18 and moved to closed position by a piston return spring 33 when the pressure is removed. The assembly includes an auxiliary energy storage device 40 in the form of a coiled spring 41 which is compressed in the initial stages of the actuator stroke to open the valve 13 and is maintained in the compressed energized state by a releasable latch mechanism 52 which latches to the auxiliary spring housing 42. When the actuator 12 operates to close the valve, the auxiliary coiled spring 41 is released near the end of the valve-closing stroke to provide additional axial thrust to the actuator shaft 17 and the valve gate 21 of a magnitude sufficient to shear wire lines 25 or other members which have been inserted through the gate port.

Abstract: A mechanical release arrangement for a fluid-pressure-operated braking cylinder having an emergency brake/parking brake feature includes a cylinder housing having formed therein a brake actuation portion, an emergency portion, an intermediate lever portion, and a coaxially-disposed brake-release arrangement interacting therewith. An actuator piston is movable within one pressure chamber and has a hollow rod portion extending therefrom on which the lever arrangement is secured. An emergency piston is retracted to a release position against the force of a spring arrangement by fluid pressure communicated to an emergency chamber. An extension sleeve extends from the emergency piston and has a first toothed portion formed at one end. A release rod extends through the extension sleeve and has a second toothed portion formed near a reduced diameter end.

Abstract: A locking arrangement is provided which can be released from its locking state by means of a pressurized fluid, and to a nozzle through which pressurized fluid can be supplied to the locking arrangement to release the same. The locking arrangement includes a latch bolt (6) which is connected to a plunger (5) arranged for axial movement in a chamber (4), the plunger dividing the chamber into two, substantially pressure-tight part chambers (4a, 4b). The plunger (5) is biassed towards its locking position by a spring means (8) and can be moved axially to a lock release position, against the force of the spring means by a pressurized fluid, e.g. compressed air, lead into the one part chamber (4a). To this end, the aforesaid one part chamber (4a) communicates via an opening (12) in a chamber wall (13) with a fore-chamber (14) which is located externally of the chamber (4) and which communicates with the other part chamber (4b) through a second opening (15) in the aforesaid chamber wall (13).

Abstract: A brake effective between a rotating part and a non-rotating part has a substantially nondeformable brake disk secured to one of the parts, centered on an axis, and having a pair of axially oppositely directed brake-disk faces. A housing is secured to the other of the parts, at least partially surrounds the brake disk, and has a pair of end walls having wall faces axially confronting the respective disk faces. Respective brake elements are limitedly axially displaceable between the wall faces and the respective disk faces and engageable with the respective disk faces. Formations on the elements and housing prevent the elements from rotating relative to the housing. Spring packs between the brake elements and the respective wall face urge the elements with a substantially constant force axially together into braking engagement with the disk. Seals between the brake elements and housing define a pressurizable chamber between the brake elements.

Abstract: A park brake mechanism includes a sealed housing enclosing a brake disc pack which is normally pressed together by a plurality of coil compression springs acting between an end of the housing and a pressure plate. Four hydraulic pistons are reciprocably mounted in the opposite end of the housing and connecting pins are received between the pistons and the pressure plate and serve to effect the release of the braking action between the disc pack discs when the pistons are pressurized. The pistons are in a rectangular pattern and diagonally opposite ones have threaded ports aligned therewith and adapted for receiving screws for stroking the pistons in the absence of pressure. A fluid pressure passage leading to the pistons contains a one-way orifice which operates to modulate the application of the brakes when pressure is relieved from the pistons.

Abstract: A gas pressure actuator for effecting the reciprocation of the stem of a valve subject to high-pressure loading comprises a tubular housing secured to the valve bonnet and defining a main cylinder chamber connected in axially series relationship with an auxiliary piston chamber which, in turn, communicates with a secondary fluid pressure chamber containing a compressible spring. A rod-like actuator is slidably and sealably mounted within the actuator housing and carries a main piston which cooperates with the main cylinder chamber in sliding and sealable relationship. The auxiliary piston chamber slidably and sealably mounts an auxiliary piston which is movable independently of the main piston. The actuating movement of the main piston produced by the introduction of gas pressure into the main cylinder produces an axial movement of the actuating rod and a compression of the spring. The spring-containing secondary chamber defined by the actuator housing is filled with a virtually non-compressible fluid.

Abstract: A safety restraint limiting the separation of brake actuator housings containing powerful compression springs. The restraint consists of a sheet metal body having a notch receiving the housing flanges, the notch being of sufficient dimension to permit partial separation of the housing flanges upon release of the flange clamp band, and the flange and restraint include engaging complementary surfaces which produce an inward force on the restraint when the restraint is subjected to axial spring forces thereby retaining the restraint notch in alignment with the housing flanges to limit axial separation thereof.

Abstract: An automatic reset arrangement for a manual release mechanism in a spring-applied, air-released brake comprising a sleeve member having axially projecting fingers that slide axially within the bore of the spring piston push rod. The ends of the projecting fingers are formed with outturned lugs having a conically-shaped surface adapted to engage a correspondingly-shaped shoulder in the bore of the piston push rod to provide a drive connection through which the spring brake force is transmitted to the sleeve member. A cylindrical plug member is normally arranged within the sleeve member at the flange end thereof to prevent inward deflection of the fingers and to thus maintain the integrity of the drive connection. A spring-returned, manually operable release lever is arranged to withdraw the plug member when it is desired to release the spring brake in the absence of air.

Abstract: A manually releasable, spring-applied, air-released parking brake device has a hollow guide rod and a non-rotatable spindle connectable to the brake rigging extending through a portion of a cylindrical housing. On one end of the guide rod is secured a portion of a clutch arrangement, and on the opposite end is secured a spline member having a plurality of externally disposed spline grooves. A latching member having an extending surface engages the spline grooves of the spline member, thus preventing rotational movement of the spline member, guide rod, and clutch portion. A release lever, connected to the latching member, allows for engaging and disengaging the latching member and spline member. When the latching member has been disengaged from the spline member, as corresponds to a manual release of the parking brake device, a retractable blocking member is urged against the end surface of the spline member.

Abstract: A parking brake, primarily for use with railway vehicles, including a friction clutch associated with a fast-travel nut which is locked by the clutch against rotation on a threaded spindle connected to a brake head, under a force exerted by a plurality of stacked Belleville-type disc springs. The spring load may be overcome by air pressure acting on respective faces of a plurality of serially connected pistons, which, in effect releases the fast-travel nut for free spinning to thereby accommodate axial displacement of the spindle during normal service application and release of the brakes.

Abstract: A manually operable quick-release mechanism for use with a spring-loaded brake cylinder including an energy-storing piston operable by fluid pressure to a brake release position with a ball type clutch for locking said piston and a piston rod in said brake release position, and a manually rotatable member effective, when angularly displaced, for releasing the ball clutch and the piston and allowing the piston and piston rod to move to a brake-applying position.

Abstract: A brake actuator device having a pneumatic service brake piston and a spring parking or emergency brake piston operation of either one of which effects displacement of a brake actuator rod which includes a screw-threaded spindle that operates in a non-rotatable nut member in order to adjust the length of the actuator rod. The nut member is provided with an external projection to which the vehicle brakes are mounted. A cogwheel is rotatably fixed to the actuator rod and is normally locked against rotation by a locking pin that engages the cogwheel teeth. The actuator rod is formed in two portions that are connected together through a clutch arrangement, the actuator rod portion having the threaded spindle being free to rotate during brake release to increase the actuator rod length and thereby take up the brake slack.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake actuator for a wedge type brake includes a tubular structure extending from the brake and housing an extended end of a stem of the wedge of the brake therein. A primary cylinder is mounted on the tubular structure and includes a primary piston mounted for sealed movement therein. The piston has a rod extending from one side thereof into the tubular structure to be operably connected to the extended end of the stem. A spring acts on a second side of the piston and is capable of moving the piston toward a first position within the cylinder for actuation of the brake. Hydraulic fluid can be selectively introduced to the primary cylinder at the first side of the piston to cause movement thereof in opposition to the spring to a second position to prevent actuation of the brake by the spring. An annular space between an interior surface of the tubular structure and an exterior surface of the rod is sealed to prevent the hydraulic fluid from escaping from the cylinder.

Abstract: A spring-loaded brake cylinder has a slideable braking piston one side of which is acted upon by a first spring in the braking direction and a second side acted upon by air under pressure in the release direction against the force of the spring. There is a releaseable mechanical coupling between the braking piston and a piston rod upon which is mounted a quick-acting piston. The quick-acting piston is actuated by air. The position of the braking piston controls a supply of air to and a discharge of air from the quick-acting piston so as to achieve pressurization and depressurization of the quick-acting piston.

Abstract: An emergency shut down device for a gate valve utilizes a pre-assembled spring cartridge assembly which includes a container and a compression spring pre-loaded therein. Suitable openings are provided in the end plates of the cartridge to permit the remaining components, including a ram cup, a piston and cylinder arrangement, a base mounting member and a stem for connection to the valve gate, to be assembled within the cartridge without fear of a spring-initiated explosion of parts as the spring is safely contained within the container before final assembly begins. The device is operable to rapidly close a gate valve when there is a loss of fluid pressure within the device.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of a valve actuator, a vane type fail safe actuator is disclosed. The actuator comprises a housing enclosing a vane which is integral with a shaft extending through the housing to a rotary operable valve. Fail safe operation is provided by a spring return mechanism connected to the housing. Compressed air is utilized to operate the actuator and the spring return mechanism which assures complete valve closure when the air supply fails or is reduced below a predetermined minimum setting.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake has a brake housing rotatably mounted on a wheel and segmented arcuate shaped brake shoes supported in the brake housing by a fixed mounting on the wheel assembly which extends over the radially outward open end of the housing to support the brake shoes and is movable from over the open end of the housing to permit access thereto for replacing the brake shoes without dismantling the brake actuating mechanism. The invention provides brake shoes having a device for association with the mounting to support the brake shoes and brake shoe actuating mechanism which automatically adjusts the brakes for optimum operation.

Abstract: A spring-loaded braking cylinder has a rapid release mechanism which disengageably connects the spring-loaded piston with the piston rod. A damping mechanism damps the relative movement between the piston and the piston rod which occurs upon release of the coupling between the spring-loaded piston and the piston rod. The piston rod is coupled to the piston by a transverse pin a portion of which projects into a transverse slot on the piston rod and another portion of which is movable within an L-shaped slot on the piston rod. An adaptor connected to the pin has a flange which acts as a piston within a closed chamber formed with the piston rod and filled with fluid. The spaces on both sides of the piston-like flange are interconnected by throttle passages.

Abstract: An improved spring guide incorporating a collapsible telescoping sleeve assembly is used in conjunction with a conventional fluid pressure operated brake of the type having a safety brake mechanism which employs a spring powered brake actuator for automatic activation of the safety brake in case of an emergency or a pneumatic failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring-engaged, pressure fluid-disengaged, parking brake of the disc type which includes an annular piston movable towards and away from the brake discs for engaging and disengaging the brake. The brake housing includes an aperture coaxial with the brake shaft and the piston carries a tapped bore in alignment with the aperture in the housing. A bolt may be threaded into the bore through the aperture and rotated to draw the piston towards the aperture to disengage the brake in the absence of pressure fluid.

Abstract: A spring-loaded brake cylinder particularly for the air brake system of a railway vehicle has a piston slidable within a housing and a threaded shaft and nut assembly between the piston and a piston rod. The nut is carried upon a non-self-locking thread on the threaded shaft and either the shaft or nut is rotatable and the other is non-rotatable. A loading spring has one end supported by a portion of the housing and secured against axial displacement and has a second end acting against the piston. A selectively operable rotary coupling is disposed in the path of the torque resulting from the force exerted by the spring acting upon the shaft and nut assembly so that the shaft and nut are free to rotate with respect to each other when the rotary coupling is actuated.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator including an advantgeously formed housing having a longitudinally extending cavity therein for retaining a bolt useful in releasing spring induced brake application, and apparaus for selectively communicating fluid from one side of a spring piston of the actuator to the other side of that piston through the cavity.

Abstract: A brake mechanism is mounted on a vehicle and includes a housing having a slot for receiving a rotatable disc to be braked. The upper portion of the housing includes a chamber for receiving pressurized fluid from a source. A spring actuated piston is slidably and sealingly disposed within the chamber. A removable spring assembly is positioned forwardly of the actuating piston and exerts a preselected spring force thereon. When the fluid pressure acting against the piston is less than the spring force applied to the piston, the piston moves axially in the chamber and a rod portion thereof contacts a lever that is pivotally mounted to the housing. The lever pivots on the housing to axially displace a brake applicator piston that is movably positioned in the housing adjacent to the rotatable disc. A plurality of braking pads are secured to the end portion of the applicator piston and additional braking pads are secured to the brake housing opposite the disc.

Abstract: A tip-up trailer with a hydraulically operated tipping body having a device for preventing the tipping body sticking up in the raised position. This is done by providing a back pressure to bear on the piston of a hydraulically operated ram to assist in the commencement of the lowering operation. Preferably this back pressure is provided in the ram which raises and lowers the tipping body.

Abstract: Improved brake actuators of the type having both service chamber and spring emergency-parking chambers utilizing piston in each said chamber (no diaphragms); improved double piston brake actuator wherein the service chamber is inboard of the spring emergency chamber; improved double piston brake actuator having an inboard spring emergency-parking and an outboard service chamber.

Abstract: In a disc brake in which the brake applying mechanism is actuated by movement of a first pull rod, the hydraulic actuator which effects movement of the pull rod comprises an assembly of piston and cylinder members of which one is rigidly fixed with respect to a housing and the other is movable relative thereto and acts on the first pull rod. A second pull rod is coupled to the first pull rod and is used for parking or emergency braking.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for 90.degree. rotating valves having a return spring coupled to an independent fluid actuated piston to assist in spring compression on the forward stroke.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator is proposed which is provided with an arrangement accessible from the outside for manually releasing the brake in the absence of fluid pressure to release it, the releasing arrangement comprising a member which rotates a splined force applying member relative to a force transmitting member against the force of a return spring which holds abutting ends of the splines of the elements mutually aligned.

Abstract: A vehicle braking means is disclosed in which an auxiliary chamber 2 comprises a locking mechanism whose function is to lock together a piston 5 and a piston rod 16. The locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded guide 19 and locking elements 20 arranged to constantly contact the guide 19 and to engage the piston 5. To release the vehicle brakes, provision is made of a rod 21 or a pushrod 43 extending from the auxiliary chamber 2. As compared with the constructions known currently, the auxiliary chamber 2 is more readily operable and convenient in use.

Abstract: An annular single piston brake arrangement is disclosed for selective holding engagement of a rotatable member of a drive train. The brake arrangement includes a support structure, an annular brake piston axially reciprocably and nonrotatably mounted within the support structure, a plurality of springs mounted intermediate the support structure and the brake piston for biasing it concentrically toward peripheral brake holding engagement of the rotatable member, a fluid retractor for holding the brake piston in a disengaged condition overcomingly against the action of the springs, and a fluid actuator for biasing the brake piston concentrically towards peripheral brake holding engagement of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator has manual means for discontinuing and automatic means for restoring the spring braking function. A non-self-locking nut member is rotatable about the spindle and is releasably locked to the brake cylinder in that direction it rotates due to spring force.

Abstract: A hydraulic disc brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator uses a first hydraulic motor for actuating a service brake, and a spring-applied, hydraulically released motor for emergency or handbrake applications. If the braking system malfunctions or is disengaged from its source of hydraulic pressure, the spring motor may be used to apply the brake by merely venting its associated hydraulic motor. The spring brake may be released by energizing a second hydraulic motor, or by using a mechanical restraction device to compress the spring motor. The spring-applied brake may be used as a parking brake or as an emergency brake.

Abstract: A disc brake comprising a caliper housing having axially aligned first and second cylinder bores; a first piston slidable within the first bore and bearing against one of the friction pads; and a second piston slidable within the second bore and having an internally threaded tubular opening into which a clearance adjuster is screwed. The threads of the adjuster are power transmission threads with a helix angle of about 15 degrees, and there is end-wise clearance between the threads sufficient to allow the first piston to move between its retracted and brakes-applied positions. At the end of the adjuster is a head having a conical clutch facing that engages a corresponding conical seat in the bottom of the first piston, so as to exert a powerful rotational clutch action. A spring urges the adjuster toward the bottom of the first piston, and causes the adjuster to unscrew and extent itself whenever there is any clearance between the clutch facing and seat.

Abstract: An extremely fast-acting valve operator including a piston slidable in a pneumatic cylinder and connected by means of a chain and sprocket with the rotatable actuating shaft of a valve so that rapid movement of the piston imparts a rapid rotation to the shaft to open the valve. The piston is subjected to a high pressure gas but is initially restrained against motion within its cylinder by means of a quick release mechanism whereby release of said mechanism results in the piston undergoing immediate and rapid movement responsive to the expanding gas to thereby rapidly open the valve. This abstract is not to be construed in any way to define or limit the invention set forth below.

Abstract: An actuator for a spring brake used for parking and emergency has a spring operating on the brake push rod which will apply braking unless fluid pressure in the braking system applied to a piston overcomes spring pressure. To disable the spring brake the rod is retracted by a mechanism coupling the piston to the rod so that the brake is automatically restored into service when the piston is operated by the fluid pressure. The mechanism has a one-way clutch engaging a threaded push rod by means of a nut in non-self-locking engagement on the push rod threads.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator has a fluid actuated piston coupled to the brake applying piston rod through a manually disconnectable conveying mechanism which enables the piston rod to return alone and which thereafter returns automatically to a position for conveying the piston rod in response to the piston movement.

Abstract: A manual disconnecting device is provided for disengaging the brake push rod in a spring brake actuator having a movable piston holding the spring compressed by fluid pressure during normal operation. The device once manually disconnected is automatically reconnected upon a normal spring compression stroke of the piston. The disconnecting device provides a clutching device between the piston and the push rod engaging a nut threaded on the push rod with non-self-locking threads. In one embodiment the nut us journalled in the piston. In another embodiment there are clutch surfaces on both the piston and nut which are disengaged by a rotary motion from a special tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid pressure operated disc brake assembly that includes a tandem-arranged spring-applied fluid-pressure-related brake operating unit and an automatic slack adjuster mechanism which is actuated by a pair of springs to so compensate for wear of a disc brake rotor and/or brake shoes therefor that the brake shoes, while the brakes are released, are constantly lightly pressed against the brake rotor notwithstanding prior wear of the shoes and/or the rotor.

Abstract: A spring-loaded brake cylinder has a piston therein one side of which is loaded by a spring and the other side of which is subjected to a pressure medium introduced into the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with an auxiliary release device comprising a screw coupling having a first coupling member which is rotatable but not axially displaceable and a second coupling member threadedly engaged with the first coupling member and acting upon the brake cylinder through an abutment coupling against the force of the load spring. The first coupling member is provided with a reversible thread and a second coupling means is provided to retain the second coupling member against rotation when the pressure acting upon the cylinder falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: Improved brake actuators of the type having both service chamber and spring emergency-parking chambers utilizing piston in each said chamber (no diaphragms); improved double piston brake actuator wherein the service chamber is inboard of the spring emergency chamber; improved double piston brake actuator having an inboard spring emergency-parking and an outboard service chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel spring brake actuator has a service braking piston and cylinder assembly and an auxiliary parking or emergency braking piston and cylinder assembly, the emergency braking piston being spring biassed towards a brake-applying position and normally held off by an opposing fluid pressure, upon release of which the spring force is transferred through the emergency braking piston and a force transferring member to the service braking piston to apply the brake. A quick release device is movable through a small distance to permit relative movement between the force transferring member to release the applied brake, the release device and the force transferring member extending through the emergency braking piston freely and with clearance.

Abstract: A spring brake unit for use in a vehicle braking system comprises a housing, a piston movable therein and connected to a brake or brake linkage, a spring interposed between the piston and a detachable end wall on the housing and urging the piston in a direction to apply the brakes fluid under pressure being introduced to the housing in a controlled manner to hold the piston in brake-off position, and the housing and/or detachable end wall being formed to define one or more drainage channels opening into a gaiter which bridges the joint between them and which includes a drain outlet.