Abstract: Alternating current track circuit energy for train detection and cab signals is coupled to the exit end of an insulated, dual gage track section between the common rail and the other two rails connected in parallel. The track relay is connected at the entrance end in a similar manner. Impedance bonds for direct current propulsion are also connected between the common rail and the other two rails at each end. In all forms, the propulsion return current is sufficiently balanced between the three rails to eliminate cab signal interference in either gage. In a first arrangement, a direct wire connection multiples the two other rails at each end. Impedance bond taps to complete the return circuit provide a two to one turn ratio from the common rail end of the bond winding to equalize the propulsion current ampere turns on each side of the tap and thus balance the flux generated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically-applied spring-released brake assembly for each individual wheel of a railway vehicle truck, wherein the brake assembly comprises a pair of levers that so cooperate with non-self-locking threads formed on a nut and a screw member as to provide a high mechanical advantage or multiplication of the braking force transmitted from a piston to a brake shoe thereby enabling a substantial reduction in the diameter of the piston and therefore of the size of the brake assembly from that of such assemblies heretofore necessary to transmit the same braking force to the shoe.

Abstract: A vital type of transformer circuit including a saturable core transducer having an input and an output winding. A source of d.c control voltage is coupled to the input winding via a four-terminal capacitor to control the impedance of the secondary winding. The output winding is coupled to a transformer having a primary, a secondary and at least one closed tertiary winding. A source of a.c. voltage is coupled through the output winding to the primary winding for inducing a.c. voltage signals in the secondary winding when d.c. control voltage is applied to the input winding and for causing the closed tertiary winding to load the transformer so that little, if any, a.c voltage is induced into the secondary winding in the absence of d.c. control voltage on the input winding.

Abstract: A brake cylinder device including a conventional release piston spring-biased toward a full-application or emergency application position and operable responsively to fluid pressure applied thereto in opposing relation to the spring force acting thereon, to a brake release position, a conventional service application piston, both pistons being subjectable concurrently to fluid pressure for operating the release piston to its release position and the service piston to a service brake application position in accordance with the degree of fluid pressure acting thereon, and a locking mechanism for automatically locking the release piston in its release position upon attainment of a full service application and thereafter during service braking operation at less than full service level and while the vehicle is in motion, and being operable for unlocking the release piston upon stopping of the vehicle and withdrawal of service braking fluid pressure.

Abstract: An improved simplified emergency brake valve device including a relay valve portion responsive to brake pipe pressure reduction at an emergency rate for actuating a logic valve portion which, in turn, when actuated, causes operation of a vent valve portion via which the brake pipe is opened to atmosphere for effecting reduction of brake pipe pressure at an emergency rate at the succeeding car in the train, thereby propogating such reduction of brake pipe pressure throughout the train for effecting an emergency brake application thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a braking apparatus wherein the heat absorbing mass of a rotating braked element, such as a vehicle wheel, is increased by securing to such as each wheel of a vehicle, a brake drum, the peripheries of the wheels and drums constituting braking surfaces against which a plurality of brake shoes are pressed during a brake application by a movable member between which and each pair of the plurality of brake shoes there is interposed an equalizer lever that is pivoted intermediate its ends on the movable member, each equalizer lever being thereby rockable relative to the movable member to enable each one of the corresponding pair of brake shoes to transmit substantially the same braking force to the braking surface braked thereby notwithstanding the rate of wear of either one of any pair of brake shoes exceeding that of the other brake shoes.

Abstract: A remote control brake system for a railway train in which the caboose is equipped to receive radio signals transmitted from the locomotive indicative of a brake application initiated by the locomotive engineer. The received radio signals are interpreted and converted into control signals which operate magnet valves via which fluid pressure in an equalizing reservoir on the caboose is reduced an amount depending upon the duration of the transmitted brake application signal. The equalizing reservoir is charged in the absence of a brake application signal by the pressure in the brake pipe and serves as the control pressure for operating a self-lapping relay valve which is arranged to exhaust brake pipe pressure responsive to a reduction of pressure in the caboose equalizing reservoir. The train brake pipe pressure is thus reduced concurrently from the front and rear ends when a brake application is initiated to provide faster and better synchronized response of the train brakes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a railway locomotive brake control apparatus operably either manually by an engineer or automatically in response to a change in a train control signal indication to a more restrictive indication to effect a brake application on the locomotive and a train of cars hauled thereby unless the automatic train control brake application is suppressed by the engineer manually effecting a full service brake application. When the engineer thus manually effects a full service brake application upon the occurrence of the more restrictive signal indication, the fluid under pressure released from the train brake pipe to cause this brake application is used to temporarily suppress the automatic train control brake application so long as fluid under pressure is being released from the train brake pipe to atmosphere via a restriction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a braking apparatus wherein the heat absorbing mass of a rotating braked element, such as a vehicle wheel, is increased by securing to, such as each wheel of the vehicle, a brake disc of such size as to constitute a heat sink capable of absorbing the heat generated by a pair of brake shoes when in braking engagement therewith, the periphery of the wheel forming a braking surface that is simultaneously engaged by a third brake shoe whereby the wheel constitutes a second heat sink capable of absorbing the heat generated by the third brake shoe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly reliable and relatively noise immune electronic pulse generating circuit employing a low gain transistorized trigger circuit having its input coupled to a source of A.C. input signals and having its output coupled to a differentiating circuit for producing a single sharp narrow pulse during each cycle of the A.C. input signals.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fail-safe constant amplitude signal generator including a shunt regulator for supplying d.c. operating potential to a free-running transistor oscillator as well as for controlling the quality factor of a resonant tuned circuit and, in turn, the oscillator so that an a.c. output signal is capable of being produced with a known amplitude which cannot be changed by any critical circuit or component failure.

Abstract: Seals for providing sealing contact between the rotary piston and the apexes of the casing of a rotary type combustion engine, compressor, or pump for sealing the several pressure chambers, one from the other or others, during operation. The seals are disposed in radially formed slots at each apex of the housing and are so constructed to permit pressure in the chamber being pressured to be communicated to the rear side of the seal, or the side opposite that which makes sealing contact with the rotary piston, so that such pressure acting on the rear side may assist the spring normally acting against the same side in forcing the seal against the rotary piston with greater pressure and thereby provide a better sealing effect.

Abstract: An antiskid brake control system for an automotive vehicle of the type having for each wheel signalling apparatus to scan and sense its dynamic behavior characteristics during braking and electronic evaluation circuitry whose output signals operate electro-pneumatic modulator valves to override the operator controlled fluid brake pressure at a respective wheel when the signalling apparatus indicates an impending wheel skid. The invention features a pulse generator for each wheel of a pair of wheels that is cross-connected with the evaluation circuitry of the opposite wheel so as to effect intermittent operation of one wheel modulator valve only when the evaluation circuit of the other wheel indicates an impending wheel skid in the absence of an impending wheel skid condition of the one wheel.

Abstract: Train speed is controlled by propulsion train line (PTL) apparatus, which sets a base level of propulsion effort, and by an advance train line (ATL) apparatus, which varies the propulsion effort up or down from the existing base level in accordance with under or over speed conditions. Each full cycle of ATL operation drives the PTL apparatus to the next higher or lower base level. A propulsion error signal PE drives a comparator-clock network to generate clock pulses and an up/down signal to step the ATL register and thus the PTL encoder to bring speed within the desired range. A speed control, brake error signal SCBE controls normal train braking effort but is inhibited while propulsion control remains effective to reduce speed. When the PTL encoder counts down to the zero propulsion level, the clamp on signal SCBE is removed to activate braking to further reduce speed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic slack adjuster to regulate the slack between a rotating disc that is secured to a railroad car axle, and a braking element which is brought into contact with the rotating disc, to brake it. The slack adjuster is inserted in a pneumatic brake cylinder. This brake cylinder includes at least one piston the purpose of which is to move axially when the cylinder is activated, and a driving shaft or piston rod connected with the braking element.

Abstract: A propulsion, braking, and station stopping control circuit for a rapid transit train including a first summing and amplifying apparatus for producing a velocity signal which is a function of the desired and actual velocity of the train and including a second summing and amplifying apparatus for producing a propulsion error signal which is a function of the velocity signal and an actual acceleration signal. An absolute value and sign determining apparatus for receiving the propulsion error signal and for producing an up-down signal which is to be supplied to an advanced train line register and propulsion train line encoder and for producing an analog signal which is supplied to a clock for generating pulses which are applied to the advanced train line register. Apparatus for producing a speed control braking error signal which is a function of the velocity signal and an actual acceleration signal.

Abstract: A braking apparatus wherein the heat absorbing mass of a rotating braked element, such as a vehicle wheel, is increased by securing to such as each wheel of a vehicle, a brake drum, the peripheries of the wheels and drums constituting braking surfaces against which a plurality of brake shoes are pressed during a brake application by a movable member between which and the brake shoes there is interposed a mechanism that provides for shifting of the brake shoes relative to the movable member in such a manner as to enable each brake shoe to transmit substantially the same braking force to the corresponding braking surface notwithstanding the rate of wear of one shoe exceeding that of another.

Abstract: A visual indicator engageable and operable by a movable locking member of an automatic type railway car coupler for indicating a locked or unlocked condition of the locking member and, therefore, the coupled or uncoupled condition of the coupler, said indicator being readily visible from both sides of the coupler or train.

Abstract: A service valve portion of a railway vehicle brake control valve device embodies large capacity spool-type brake cylinder application and release piston valves and a small spool-type valve for controlling the supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from the application and release piston valves and also the reservoir charging and quick service features.

Abstract: Clock pulses representative of the velocity error between desired and actual train speeds drive an advance train line (ATL) register to count up or down, in accordance with the sign of the error, between zero and a selected maximum count position. The existing total count is continuously applied to a D/A converter to provide a stepped analog signal which drives an advance train line channel to vary the propulsion effort of the train, car by car, to the next adjacent level, increasing or decreasing per the direction of the counting action. Attainment of either count limit by the ATL register generates, through logic circuitry, a clock pulse to drive the associated propulsion train line (PTL) encoder in the same direction to its next propulsion condition. The ATL register is reset to the opposite count limit during generation of the PTL clock pulse, to continue the stepped variation of the propulsion level in the same direction.