Abstract: A progressive brake lining wear and temperature sensor having a plurality of parallel arranged spaced apart resistors in connection with a sensing circuit. Each resistor is mounted onto a PC board which in turn is encapsulated within a single molding. A thermistor is also mounted onto the PC board within the molding to sense lining temperature. The thermistor is connected to a ground lead. The ground lead, resistance lead and thermistor lead emerge from the encapsulated sensor for connection to the sensing circuit. The sensor is disposed within the brake lining and is connected to the brake shoe by a securement clip. As the brake lining progressively wears, the resistors are progressively worn away thus changing the overall resistance of the sensor. The change in resistance indicates state of wear. Preferably, three resistors are employed to indicate four degrees of brake lining wear.

Abstract: An electrical switch mechanism which operates in response to predetermined deceleration and/or acceleration is especially adapted for use on board trains for brake assurance purposes. Switch contacts biased to a safe switching condition are actuated by an arm. A pendulum pivots a predetermined distance with respect to the vertical in response to a predetermined acceleration or deceleration. The arm is carried by the pendulum and may be mounted on a bracket plate such that the arm is set at a predetermined inclination with respect to the vertical. The arm actuates the switch contact only when the train reaches the predetermined acceleration or deceleration. The switch mechanism is vital in operation in that the safe switching state is maintained in the absence of actuation. By adjustment of the bracket and arm inclination, the mechanism can be set to respond to different selected accelerations and/or decelerations.