Abstract: A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a low-maintenance bladder actuator for a low-profile railroad retarder. The actuator has an internal guide mechanism and internal limit stops. The guide mechanism has a concentric, telescoping guide rod and guide sleeve that are removably bolted to upper and lower plates. An integral cast head forms the upper plate and a stop sleeve that absorbs the cyclical 20,000 pound loads of the actuator. This enables the guide rod to remain concentricly aligned. The guide mechanism has sufficient stroke length (SL) and includes a long internal bushing with a low wear rate. The stop sleeve engages the lower plate to form the lower limit stop. The stop sleeve includes an inwardly extending flange that engages an outwardly extending flange of the guide sleeve to form an upper limit stop. The stop sleeve and guide sleeve form a cam lock connection for easy assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail-safe skate retarder that applies a braking force proportional to the weight of a rail car entering the retarder. Each segment of the retarder includes a lever mechanism with a pair of levers rotatably joined under the running rail. Each lever holds a braking rail for engaging a wheel of the car. The retarder is normally in a lower, fail-safe position with the brake rails closer together than the width of the wheel. When the car enters the retarder, the wheel forces the brake rails apart into a braking position, and the middle of the lever mechanism rises to lift the running rail and car. A hydraulic power unit and cylinder is activated to raise the middle of the lever mechanism even further to a release position so that the brake rails are spread apart more than the width of the wheel.

Abstract: A rail car truck has a pair of side frames, connected by a bolster, with the side frames each having pedestals at the opposite ends thereof which are designed to seat upon roller bearing adapters which are supported on the rail car truck wheel sets. Shear pads are positioned between each of the side frame pedestals and the corresponding roller bearing adapter. The shear pads include notches designed to interlock with projections on each side frame pedestal and notches designed to interlock with projections on each roller bearing adapter, whereby the shear pad is interlocked to both the side frame pedestal and the roller bearing adapter, preventing relative movement between the shear pad and the side frame pedestal and between the shear pad and roller bearing adapter in a direction parallel with the longitudinal dimension of the side frame.

Abstract: A rail car truck includes a pair of longitudinally spaced wheelsets, a pair of laterally spaced side frames extending between and supported by the wheelsets and a bolster which extends between the side frames to support a vehicle body. There is a brace connected between the side frames to control relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The brace includes a center clamp assembly located generally intermediate the side frames and generally mid-way between the wheelsets. Each side frame mounts a pair of longitudinally spaced end blocks. There are four struts, each being inclined to the longitudinal axis of the truck and each extending from and being connected to an end block and to the clamp assembly.

Abstract: A rail car truck includes a pair of longitudinally spaced wheelsets, a pair of laterally spaced side frames extending between and supported by the wheelsets and a bolster which extends between the side frames to support a vehicle body. There is a brace connected between the side frames to control relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The brace includes a center clamp assembly located generally intermediate the side frames and generally mid-way between the wheelsets. Each side frame mounts a pair of longitudinally spaced end blocks. There are four struts, each being inclined to the longitudinal axis of the truck and each extending from and being connected to an end block and to the clamp assembly.