Abstract: A diaphragm-clamping arrangement, in which a spring washer having a frusto-conical shape is employed between the outer periphery of the diaphragm and one of the plate members between which the diaphragm is secured. In the free state of the spring washer, the spring washer height is greater than the space between the diaphragm and one plate member so that, when the plate members are joined together, the spring washer is compressed to thereby exert a clamping force on the diaphragm. The diaphragm-clamping point can be provided by either the inner or outer periphery of the spring washer, depending upon whether the frusto-conical shape is concave or convex. By forming an annular recess in the plate member with which the spring is engageable, proper location of the spring washer is facilitated during assembly, and subsequently maintained during clamping.

Abstract: A four-way ball type valve including a spherical valve element operable to as many as four positions and which can be installed on a railway car in place of the branch pipe tee to eliminate the need for an angle cock at each end of the brake pipe and a brake control valve cut-out cock. The ball valve is functionally analogous to a rotary valve in cutting off the brake pipe at either end of the car without interrupting the brake control valve connection with the brake pipe, or in cutting out the brake control valve while establishing brake pipe continuity through the train.

Abstract: An upgraded railway freight car brake control valve device comprises a novel emergency valve portion that embodies therein a plurality of simple and inexpensive poppet valves and a spool-type valve which valves replace yet perform the same functions heretofore performed by more expensive slide-type valves which slide valves, and the flat seats upon which they slide as they are shifted from one position to another, in their manufacture require a considerable amount of accurate machining thus increasing the cost of the brake control valve device of which they are an important part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vented ball-type angle cock for use at each end of the brake pipe on a railway vehicle in which the brake pipe hose connected to the angle cock outlet is vented to atmosphere in the cock closed position via a drilled passageway extending through the ball valve, a guide bushing carried by the ball valve, and a trunnion on one end of which is rotatably supported the bushing, the opposite end of this trunnion being supported on the bottom of the cavity in the angle cock body in which the ball valve is so disposed that in its open position a communication is established between the brake pipe and the hose that is connected to the hose at the adjacent end of the brake pipe on the next car in a train.