Abstract: A fabric reinforced molded conical diaphragm and method of making in which the parting line of the diaphragm mold is arranged such that the flashing and reinforcing fabric of the molded diaphragm are on the sidewall of the outer clamping bead at a location displaced from the juncture of the sidewall and the bottom surface thereof, so that upon inverting the diaphragm member, the fabric free bottom surface of the clamping bead is transposed to the sidewall of the diaphragm clamping bead, thereby providing a smooth, accurately sized outer periphery of the diaphragm to facilitate its assembly.

Abstract: An improved hose coupling gasket in which the standard gasket retaining flange is modified to include an additional sealing bead strategically formed on the upper surface of the flange such as to engage the adjacent surface of the gasket retaining groove in the coupling head. The diameter of this additional sealing bead is such that the point of engagement between the sealing bead and retaining groove corresponds to a gage point where the dimensional accuracy of the retaining groove width is checked in accordance with A.A.R. requirements.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm-type piston characterized by an S-shaped or ogee-like profile approximating a theoretical model that is substantially free of distortion in a selected position of the piston assembly in which a convolution is formed in the annular space between the diaphragm piston and the body in which the piston operates. Being molded without a convolution, the diaphragm lends itself well to maintaining a reinforcing fabric centrally embedded within the diaphragm proper, while at the same time being substantially distortion-free in a selected position of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm piston assembly in which an annular ring member is provided, preferably at the outer clamping periphery of the diaphragm between the underside of the diaphragm and body, to exert a force on the diaphragm in the direction of the cover that clamps the diaphragm to the body, thereby encouraging the diaphragm convolution to assume a disposition in a preferred direction corresponding to the direction in which the convolution is predisposed by the inherent "spring effect" of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm clamping arrangement for assembly of a diaphragm-type piston in the body of a valve device or the like such that the diaphragm is biased in a direction to cause the diaphragm convolution to assume a preferred disposition in which a desired diaphragm "spring effect" is maintained.

Abstract: An empty/load brake control system for a railway freight car comprising a pair of load sensors and a proportional valve to proportion the brake cylinder delivery pressure when an "empty" load condition of the car is sensed. The load sensor valves are piped in series to control the proportioning valve so that both load sensors must detect an "empty" load condition to pilot the proportional valve. In this sense, a false load reading toward an "empty" load condition due to car rocking is prevented from occurring, by mounting the respective load sensors directly opposite each other on different sides of the railway car.

Abstract: An apparatus to improve the sealing capabilities of a sealing member. The apparatus comprises a first member having a channel formed therein for receiving the sealing member in sealing engagement with the bottom of the channel. A second member forms a second seal with the sealing member. A number of fluid pressure zones are provided in addition to two fluid passageways to communicate fluid on opposed sides of the sealing member. A means is provided on at least one side of the sealing member to communicate a portion of at least one of the fluids communicated into the pressure zones between two of such pressure zones. A method for using the apparatus to improve the sealing capabilities of a sealing member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spring-locking handle mechanism in which a flat piece of spring stock is formed in a generally U-shaped configuration to provide a locking spring, one leg of which bears against the underside of the socket portion of a conventional two-piece locking handle, and the other leg of which bears downwardly on the upper surface of the handle portion. The spring legs must be spread apart in order to assemble the spring with the handle mechanism and are thus normally under tension, so that the handle portion is biased in its downward or locking position relative to the socket portion to discourage unintentional lifting. The width of the one leg corresponds to the distance between the depending locking lugs on the handle portion so as to fit snugly therebetween in both the locked and unlocked position of the handle.

Abstract: An improved hose coupling for railway vehicle brake pipe hoses, which hose coupling is characterized by a nipple portion disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the coupling head and an angular extension of the lower end of the coupling lip for preventing premature or inadvertent uncoupling due to excessive bouncing motion of the vehicle and, therefore, vertical oscillation of the hoses.

Abstract: An improved hose coupling for railway vehicle brake pipe hoses, which coupling is characterized by a straight nipple portion and an angular extension of the lower end of the coupling lip for preventing inadvertent uncoupling due to excessive bouncing motion of the vehicle and, therefore, vertical oscillation of the hoses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hose coupling on the body of which is rockably mounted intermediate its ends a locking member, one end of which constitutes an operating handle. The other end of this locking member is of such a configuration as to constitute a stop which is manually rockable by the operating handle out of the pathway of the guard arm of the other one of a pair of hose couplings to be manually coupled prior to rotating the two hose couplings to the fully coupled position. The configuration of the stop is such that, upon the pair of hose couplings reaching their fully coupled position, this stop will be disposed in such a position in the pathway of the guard arm of the other one of the pair of fully coupled hose couplings as to prevent unwanted uncoupling of the two coupled hose couplings. Upon manual rocking of the locking member in one direction by the operating handle, the stop will be lifted out of the pathway of the guard arm of the other one of the pair of coupled hose couplings.