Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the positioning of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: In a system for positioning supporting trailers on stanchions of a railroad car, an optical system is provided to allow the operator to monitor the relationship of the tractor, trailer, stanchion and actuators on the tractor. The unique system of stanchion position indicia is provided to allow rapid and accurate selection of the stanchion position. The tractor includes a positively controlled actuator for operating the breakdown trigger of the stanchion to unlock it.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: A computerized locomotive control system receiving as inputs electrical signals representing automatic and independent braking control signals and a computer for determining, from said input signals, electrical signals representing desired equalization reservoir pressure, desired independent application and release pressure and desired actuating pressure. Electro-pneumatic valves controls the pressure in the equalization reservoir, on the independent application and release pipe and as the actuating pipe in response to the desired pressure signals. A electro-pneumatic valve for the control reservoir of the locomotive brake is controlled by the computer in response to pipe pressures. The computer provides penalties and interlocks electrically.

Abstract: A brake system wherein the single actuator is freely mounted to a first brake beam so as to align its force application axis with the axis of a first force transmitting rod connected at its other end to a transfer lever on a second brake beam. A second force transmitting rod connects the transfer lever back to the first brake beam. The mounts for the actuator and the transfer lever are designed for use with brake beams of dual actuator brake systems.

Abstract: A control valve having, in a series with a first inlet valve of a quick brake volume, two different rates of flow restrictions operable as a function of the position of the piston. The first flow rate of one first restriction is insufficient to cause the piston to a braking position for applying a minimum service application for first range of piston positions which would generally be produced by the mechanical vibration. The second restriction has a greater flow and will accelerate the piston to a braking position for a second range of piston positions which will be produced by the reduction of the brake pipe pressure on one face of the piston. By providing two flow rates, the valve becomes insensitive to mechanically produced forces while maintaining the reaction time of the valve to fluidically produced reduction of brake pipe pressure.

Abstract: A computerized locomotive control system receiving as inputs electrical signals representing automatic and independent braking control signals and a computer for determining, from said input signals, electrical signals representing desired equalization reservoir pressure, desired independent application and release pressure and desired actuating pressure. Electro-pneumatic valves controls the pressure in the equalization reservoir, on the independent application and release pipe and as the actuating pipe in response to the desired pressure signals. A electro-pneumatic valve for the control reservoir of the locomotive brake is controlled by the computer in response to pipe pressures. The computer provides penalties and interlocks electrically.

Abstract: A locomotive control system having a single handle movable between a maximum propulsion position, through diminishing propulsion positions, through a release/idle position, through increasing braking positions, through a full service brake position to an emergency brake position. The control system receives position signals from the handle and generates propulsion, dynamic braking and fluid braking control signals as a function of the position signals. For any braking position of the handle, the control system first applies or removes dynamic braking and then provides fluid braking depending upon the position of the handle, the type of train brakes and whether the dynamic braking has maximized or is zero.

Abstract: An articulation coupling includes a female coupling having a pair of members each forming a portion of an aperture to receive the male coupling and supported for horizontal movement. A structure, for example, a wedge, is provided for biasing the first female member along the longitudinal axis towards the male coupling and elements secure the second member to prevent movement along the longitudinal axis after mating. The first and second female members are of identical structures and each are capable of both receiving a wedge to produce the biasing as well as a pin or other securements. The wedge extends vertically and a spring biases the wedge vertically and maintains it on the car. Preferably the wedge is made up of two segments and provides a pin or other structure for mounting shims between the segments if necessary to accommodate for wear over time.

Abstract: A computerized locomotive control system receiving as inputs electrical signals representing automatic and independent braking control signals and a computer for determining, from said input signals, electrical signals representing desired equalization reservoir pressure, desired independent application and release pressure and desired actuating pressure. Electro-pneumatic valves controls the pressure in the equalization reservoir, on the independent application and release pipe and as the actuating pipe in response to the desired pressure signals. A electro-pneumatic valve for the control reservoir of the locomotive brake is controlled by the computer in response to pipe pressures. The computer provides penalties and interlocks electrically.

Abstract: Method for loading and unloading semitrailers on a train of flat cars by coupling the semitrailers to power driven stanchions respectively, providing the power driven stanchions with automatic control in the form of proximity sensors for governing movement of the semitrailers in accordance with proximity of adjoining semitrailers and automatically steering the stanchions along a guide path to load and unload the train.

Abstract: A ramp car for loading and unloading vehicles comprises first and second ramps mounted respectively to first and second wheel sets. The first and second ramps extend toward each other in a lowered loading position for providing access for vehicles to a train in both directions. The first and second ramps are locked to each other in a raised travel position. The ramp car also includes a displacement structure having guide mechanism associated with the first and second ramps for guiding the raising and lowering of the ramps. The ramp car is provided with a controller device for selectively controlling the operation of the ramp car. The controller device may be an integral part of the ramp car or may be selectively plugged into a port on either ramp of the car.

Abstract: An empty-load device, having in a single housing, a sensing piston and a ratio piston interconnected by a push rod which senses load. A ratio valve, including a valving element and valve seat, is mounted on and travels with the ratio piston and is opened by the push rod. The ratio valve is connected to the ratio piston by a spring such that the push rod engages the ratio valve to open the ratio valve and position the ratio piston via the spring.

Abstract: An electrical connector which comprises a first elongated connecting element and a second elongated connecting element, the first elongated element having a threaded surface along the exterior thereof, the second elongated connector having a shoulder thereon, and a compression nut extending around and against the shoulder of the second connecting element and engaging the first connecting element to force positive engagement between the first and second connecting elements. The apparatus may include structure the second elongated connecting element for selectively preventing axial movement of the compression nut past a predetermined axial point whereby the first and second elongated connecting elements are separated. The structure may include a generally diametrically extending bore in the second connecting element dimensioned for insertion of an associated pin to facilitate disassembly of the first and second connecting elements.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the position of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: A graduated release device which includes a valve, for example a check valve, connecting a control valve port and a brake cylinder port which prevents flow from the brake cylinder port to the control valve port. A graduating section controls the valve to produce graduated release of the brake cylinder in response to pressure on the brake cylinder port, brake pipe port and graduating volume port. An automatic mode section controls the valve to produce direct release of the brake cylinder in response to less than a predetermined value of pressure on the supply line port. If it is a two pipe system which includes graduated release, an appropriate pressure will appear on the supply line port and therefore allow the valve to be controlled by the graduating section.