Abstract: An aftercooler for cooling a compressed fluid exiting from a compressor, the aftercooler including a radiator unit for receiving the compressed fluid exiting from the compressor and for cooling the compressed fluid, the radiator unit having an inlet for receiving the compressed fluid, an outlet for discharging the compressed fluid and a plurality of heat exchange passageways connecting the inlet and the outlet for transferring heat from the compressed fluid. The aftercooler also includes a bypass channel for bypassing the plurality of heat exchange passageways which extends from a first point substantially adjacent the inlet of the radiator unit to a second point substantially adjacent the outlet of the radiator unit.

Abstract: A combination gas drying and reservoir apparatus includes a reservoir, a membrane dryer disposed inside the reservoir and a control scheme that reduces the amount of gas lost as sweep gas from the dryer. The reservoir has an inlet flange that receives moisture laden gas from a compressor, an outlet flange from which dried gas discharges to a pneumatic system and a purge flange. The dryer includes a vessel encasing a membrane unit between its inlet and outlet ends. A purge port of the vessel communicates with the purge flange to form a purge channel. The inlet end of the vessel is connected to the inlet flange from which it receives the moisture laden gas. The moisture laden gas then flows into the membrane unit. Sweep gas that has permeated through membranes flows from a sweep space defined between the vessel and the membrane unit to the purge channel. Dried gas flows out of the membrane unit through the outlet end of the vessel into the reservoir.

Abstract: A temperature activated diversion valve for supplying a first inflow fluid as an outflow fluid and for switching to supply a second inflow fluid as the outflow fluid if the first inflow fluid reaches a specified temperature. The temperature activated diversion valve includes a first inflow conduit for carrying the first inflow fluid, a second inflow conduit for carrying the second inflow fluid, an outflow conduit and a valve member. The valve member is moveable between a first position and a second position and establishes fluid communication between the first inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the first position, while blocking fluid communication between the second inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the first position. Additionally, the valve member establishes fluid communication between the second inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the second position, while blocking fluid communication between the first inflow conduit and the outflow conduit in the second position.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for rapidly exhausting air pressure from a source of such pressure. The valve includes a housing containing a valve member located across a main port provided in the housing that directly receives the air pressure from the pressure source. A second port is provided for receiving a pilot pressure from the pressure source, and a piston is located adjacent the second port. At least one exhaust port is provided in the housing for exhausting to atmosphere the air received through the main port and against the valve member.

Abstract: A control system reduces the amount of gas lost as sweep gas from a membrane gas dryer. The membrane gas dryer is of the type that features an inlet end that receives moisture laden gas from a compressor, an outlet end from which dried gas is discharged to a pneumatic component and a drain port from which permeate sweep gas inclusive of permeate water vapor is expelled from the gas dryer. The control system includes a purge valve that is connected to the drain port of the gas dryer and a mechanism that controls the purge valve. The purge valve has a pilot port that responds to pressure by closing the purge valve thereby preventing the permeate sweep gas from exhausting to atmosphere through the drain port.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly exhausting air pressure from an intercooler pneumatically connected to receive compressed air from an air compressor. The apparatus includes a blowdown valve pneumatically connected to receive air pressure contained in the intercooler. The valve has a large exhaust port and a valve member seatable against the port to open and close the same. An inlet port is provided for admitting a compressor unload signal to the valve, with the unload signal being effective to move the valve member away from the large exhaust port to allow rapid exhaustion of intercooler air pressure to atmosphere through the exhaust port.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating components in an air compressor having a crankcase for holding oil. The apparatus includes an oil pump located in the crankcase and oil, and a hollow plunger mechanically and hydraulically connected between the oil pump and an eccentric provided on a crankshaft of the air compressor. A filter for filtering the oil held in the crankcase is mounted on a block secured to an external surface of the crankcase. The block mounts the filter on the crankcase and in fluid communication with the pump such that filtered oil is directed to the hollow plunger from the pump after oil is directed into the pump from the filter and after oil is pumped from the crankcase and sent to the filter by the pump.

Abstract: Data processing system for calculating the flowrate of air from a pressurized reservoir to an air pressure communication line. A pressure sensor is connected to the reservoir to provide an analog signal indicating pressure, which is converted into a digital pressure signal. The system also has a sensor connected to pressure ports upstream and downstream of an orifice, located between the reservoir and the air pressure communication line. This provides an analog differential pressure signal which is converted into a digital differential pressure signal, which is processed to obtain a first digital flowrate signal. This is combined with the digital pressure signal to obtain a flowrate correction value, from which a revised flowrate value is obtained. This revised flowrate value may be sent to an operator of the system, to a control system, or to an alarm system.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for controlling the operation of a fan cooled aftercooler receiving pressurized air from a compressor located in a locomotive. The circuit includes a motor for driving the fan of the aftercooler, an electrical relay comprising a coil and contacts operated by the coil, and a temperature sensitive switch connected in electrical series with the coil. The contacts of the relay are connected in electrical series with the motor. The temperature sensitive switch is effective to open the circuit of the coil and thereby open the contacts to stop operation of the fan when ambient temperature falls to or below freezing.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled intercooler system for use with a multiple stage compressor to prevent the condensation of water from the compressed gas, such as air, within the system, whereby the temperature of a compressed gas entering a second compressor stage following the first compressor stage is controlled to a target temperature, ideally up to about 250.degree. F., as will not allow the partial pressure of the water vapor therein to exceed the saturation vapor pressure associated with and defined by the temperature achieved by cooling the air prior to the air entering the subsequent compression stage.

Abstract: A manually operable pneumatic emergency brake valve and electric switch including a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, an internal valve assembly normally seated by the biasing force of a helical spring, a pair of pivotal levers for operating a movable valve stem to unseat said internal valve assembly, and said movable stem including a cam surface for actuating the electric switch to signify an emergency brake application.

Abstract: An inlet valve assembly for an air compressor and/or compressor-exhauster having a plug member disposed in a cylinder head. A buffer plate screwed onto the lower end of a multi-threaded stud. A spring plate disposed on top of the buffer plate and a guide ring located between the spring plate and a valve plate. An inlet valve seat disposed above the valve plate and a lockout screwed onto an intermediate threaded portion of the multi-threaded stud. An inlet valve unloader slidably mounted on guide bushing and a lockout screwed onto the upper end of the multi-threaded stud. An unloader return spring caged between the inlet valve spring and the inlet valve unloader. A plurality of radially extending tab portions led along the peripheral edge of the buffer plate for preventing parts of the inlet valve from falling into the compressor chamber when the multi-threaded stud breaks.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based locomotive brake control system having an electropneumatic brake pipe pressure regulating circuit via which a train brake pipe pressure is controlled and a normally closed charging cut-off valve between the brake pipe regulating circuit anad the brake pipe. The charging cut-off valve is electropneumatically controlled in order to effect opening of the normally closed charging cut-off valve on a controlling locomotive. An arrangement is provided for maintaining the charging cut-off valve open when electric power is lost on a controlling locomotive, while providing for closure of the charging cut-off valve on a non-controlling locomotive irrespective of the presence or absence of electric power.