Abstract: A conveyorized system and method of use therefor for disassembling, inspecting, reconditioning and testing a brake actuator is disclosed. The disassembly area includes a spring removal fixture and a torque removal fixture. The conveyor system includes multi-level conveyor portions to eliminate the need for operators to lift awkward, heavy components. The test area includes a fixture adapted to pressure test and leak test a reconditioned brake actuator and to test for slack adjuster travel. The disclosed conveyor system is specially adapted to disassemble, inspect, recondition and test air brake actuators for trains, such as disc actuators and tread actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing tread and disk brake actuator units for use in railway cars in an overhaul backshop environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a test bench on which multiple test fixtures are mounted to simultaneously receive and test a like number of brake actuator units. Each test fixture is provided with differently sized sets of brackets to enable respective simultaneous mounting of different brake actuator units made by a variety of manufacturers. The test bench includes a series of solenoids and directional valves operated by a programmable logic controller to supply low, high and maximum pressure air to the actuator units to perform pneumatic leakage, applied force, and slack adjuster travel tests. Pneumatic leakage detection is performed through an automatic test removing human subjectivity from the test process. A diagnostics panel provides functional information on the status of the equipment on the test bench.

Abstract: A boring machine for preboring holes in railway ties on which a powered conveyor is supported for movement between input and discharge ends through a boring station between the input and discharge ends to extend transversely of the conveyor path. At the boring station transversely extending in side reference criteria are established in relation to which devices at the boring station position end lock each tie with its centerline and one end in a fixed relationship to the boring station reference criteria. Multi-spindle boring heads below the conveyor arranged in a predetermined relationship to the boring head transversely extending in side reference criteria are supported for vertical movement through a fixed distance with respect to the underside of the tie that bore holes in the tie underside in a fixed relationship relative to the tie centerline and one end.