Abstract: A manifold (24) is interposed between a pipe bracket (26) and a service valve (30) of a passenger rail car (20) braking system (22) also having a brake application relay valve (32), a primary control reservoir (48), a emergency control reservoir (54), and a main reservoir (44). The manifold includes electronically controlled emergency fill (78), normal fill (80), vent (82), and bypass (84) valves and pneumatically controlled secondary emergency fill (136), secondary normal fill (138), secondary vent (140) and manifold relay (142) valves. Electrical signals are received by the electronically controlled valves (78, 80, 84) which then operate the pneumatically controlled valves (136, 138, 142) to transmit pressure from the control reservoirs (48,54) to a brake application relay valve (32). The brake application relay valve then operates to transmit pressure from a main reservoir (44) to a braking device (36) which brakes the passenger rail car (20).

Abstract: A rail car brake monitoring apparatus (10) for monitoring the status of a brake system (12) on a rail car is disclosed. The monitoring apparatus (10) includes a transmitter and receiver unit (52) and a controller (54). The transmitter and receiver unit (52) generates and directs a transmitted signal towards a component of the brake system (12) and receives a reflected signal from the component. The controller (54) analyzes the transmitted and received signals to generate a position signal representative of a position of the component for use in monitoring or controlling the brake system (12).

Abstract: A rail car load sensor 10 configured for use with a rail car brake controller 12. The rail car load sensor (10) detects and measures the distance between the underside of the rail car 14 and a component of the rail car that remains stationery whenever the weight or load in the rail car changes. This distance is then transmitted to rail car brake controller 12 for adjusting the braking action of the rail car brake system in accordance with the amount of load or weight in rail car 14.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus (8) for a rail car including a truck (14) traveling along a rail (16, 18) includes a truck hunting detection and abatement apparatus (10) for use as part of a brake controller (12). The brake controller (12) is configured for braking the rail car. The apparatus (10) includes a sensor (26) for measuring acceleration of the rail car in a direction transverse to the rail (16, 18), and a control device (24) of the brake controller (12). The control device (24) includes a microprocessor (30) and is responsive to the sensor (26) for comparing the measured acceleration of the rail car with a predetermined acceleration limit. The control device (24) is configured to apply the brakes when the measured acceleration exceeds the predetermined acceleration limit.

Abstract: A rail car load sensor 10 configured for use with a rail car brake controller 12. The rail car load sensor 10 detects and measures the distance between rail car 14 and rail 15 and transmits a distance signal to rail car brake controller 12 for adjusting the braking action of rail car brake controller 12 in accordance with the amount of load or weight in rail car 14.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus (10) is configured for retrofit between the service portion (24) and pipe bracket portion (26) of a conventional AB valve (16) of a railroad car braking system (12) for allowing operation with an electronic controller (14). The apparatus contains openings and passageways compatible with the connections between the service and pipe bracket portions of the AB valve while providing additional conduits to mate with the electronic control device.