Abstract: A device for stopping rail cards includes an articulated member adapted to move between a first raised position in which ait receives a rail car wheel in contacting or abutting relationship to cause effective stopping of the car, and a second retracted position which offers no resistance to movement of the car wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic ram is provided to move the articulated member between the two positions.

Abstract: A device for stopping rail cards includes an articulated member adapted to move between a first raised position in which ait receives a rail car wheel in contacting or abutting relationship to cause effective stopping of the car, and a second retracted position which offers no resistance to movement of the car wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic ram is provided to move the articulated member between the two positions.

Abstract: A piston-type rail retarder includes a shock absorber having a cylinder defining a cavity between a pair of end walls. A piston rod extends axially through one of the end walls, and a piston is mounted on the piston rod between the end walls so as to divide the cavity into first and second working chambers containing a damping fluid. A first array of passages extends through the piston and communicates between the first and second chambers, and a sprung valve assembly is provided for obturating the first array of passages in the event of the velocity of the piston rod relative to the cylinder exceeding a predetermined value. The first valve mechanism includes a valve plate and a spring for biasing the valve plate into an open position. An array of restricted orifices extend through the valve plate and communicate directly with the corresponding array of first passages when the valve plate is closed.