Abstract: A hand brake actuator for a rail car has a rotary input connected to a rotary output by a transmission including a clutch and a ratchet wheel and pawl, a declutching mechanism for disengaging the clutch in a declutched position of the declutching mechanism, and a release handle with a first cam which drives the declutching mechanism to the declutched position when the release handle is moved from an apply position to a release position. A second cam is biased in a first direction to engage and retain the declutching mechanism in a declutched position after the release handle is removed from the release position. A follower is connected to the second cam and is responsive to the rotation of the input in an apply direction to rotate the second cam in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the declutching mechanism and allow the clutch to reengage.

Abstract: A hand brake actuator for a rail car has a rotary input connected to a rotary output by a transmission including a clutch and a ratchet wheel and pawl, a declutching mechanism for disengaging the clutch in a declutched position of the declutching mechanism, and a release handle with a first cam which drives the declutching mechanism to the declutched position when the release handle is moved from an apply position to a release position. A second cam is biased in a first direction to engage and retain the declutching mechanism in a declutched position after the release handle is removed from the release position. A follower is connected to the second cam and is responsive to the rotation of the input in an apply direction to rotate the second cam in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the declutching mechanism and allow the clutch to reengage.

Abstract: A hand brake mechanism of the quick-release type having locking structure preventing accidental brake release includes a clutch collar interconnecting a drive member mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith and a pinion mounted on the shaft for rotation relative thereto and for being operatively connected in a power train to the car brakes. The collar is shiftable on the shaft between a drive position making the aforesaid interconnection, and a brake-release position wherein the connection is broken and the pinion is freely rotatable on the shaft. A pivotally mounted shift lever has collar-engaging members for shifting the collar between such positions. A cam shaft is provided with a cam which, when the cam shaft is rotated in one direction, engages the shift lever to shift the collar into the brake-release position.

Abstract: A hand brake assembly for a railway car in which a self-energizing friction clutch which is associated with the hand wheel shaft permits a graduated release of the car brakes and prevents spinning of the hand wheel. A manually-operable quick release of the car brakes is made possible by the provision of a second manually-shiftable jaw clutch, the components of which are spring-biased to their position of clutch engagement by a positive acting compression spring which is interposed between such components, such second jaw clutch being disposed in the power train between the hand wheel shaft and the chain winding drum, and the two clutches thus being disposed in series relationship.