Abstract: A multi-thickness diaphragm member including clamping sections that are sized for assembly of the diaphragm in standard air brake valve devices and a flexure portion intermediate the clamping sections that forms a convolution during assembly. The thickness of the flexure portion is less than that of the clamping sections to facilitate formation of the diaphragm convolution without wrinkling, in order to alleviate progressive fatigue failure. The thin flexure portion of the diaphragm is joined with the respective clamping sections through a tapered area, which lies entirely outside of the annular space in which the diaphragm convolution forms during assembly, to thereby maximize the radius of curvature of the convolution for optimum utilization of the flexure portion in forming the convolution.

Abstract: A fabric reinforced molded conical diaphragm and method of making in which the parting line of the diaphragm mold is arranged such that the flashing and reinforcing fabric of the molded diaphragm are on the sidewall of the outer clamping bead at a location displaced from the juncture of the sidewall and the bottom surface thereof, so that upon inverting the diaphragm member, the fabric free bottom surface of the clamping bead is transposed to the sidewall of the diaphragm clamping bead, thereby providing a smooth, accurately sized outer periphery of the diaphragm to facilitate its assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm-type piston characterized by an S-shaped or ogee-like profile approximating a theoretical model that is substantially free of distortion in a selected position of the piston assembly in which a convolution is formed in the annular space between the diaphragm piston and the body in which the piston operates. Being molded without a convolution, the diaphragm lends itself well to maintaining a reinforcing fabric centrally embedded within the diaphragm proper, while at the same time being substantially distortion-free in a selected position of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A combined brake cylinder/air reservoir device in which a relatively small, tubular-shaped piston in a positioning chamber is connected to a larger power piston having an application chamber on one side and a release chamber on the other side in which air is stored in place of separate reservoirs. A replaceable cylinder liner is provided to receive different-sized power pistons. During a brake application, the power piston enters the cylinder liner and is displaced from the liner during brake release to provide free air flow between the application and release chambers and thereby facilitate piston return movement by means of a return spring. A dynamic pressure seal between the application chamber and positioning chamber engages the outer periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston, while a smaller diameter dynamic pressure seal between the release chamber and atmosphere engages the inner periphery of the tubular-shaped small piston.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake cylinder device employs a pair of different sized fluid motors, the pressure chambers of which serve as air storage reservoirs. The cylinder of the larger fluid motor is formed by the main casting and contains a larger piston, while the cylinder of the smaller fluid motor is mounted to the main casting in coaxial relationship with the larger cylinder and contains a smaller piston having an elongated hollow body that is connected at its open end to one side of the larger piston to form a pressure chamber therebetween. The smaller piston fits within the smaller cylinder in spaced-apart relationship therewith to form a pressure chamber delimited by a seal fixed on the main casting for engagement with the piston periphery at any point along its longitudinal axis. The larger piston cooperates with the larger cylinder to form pressure chambers on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically-applied spring-released brake assembly for each individual wheel of a railway vehicle truck, wherein the brake assembly comprises a pair of levers that so cooperate with non-self-locking threads formed on a nut and a screw member as to provide a high mechanical advantage or multiplication of the braking force transmitted from a piston to a brake shoe thereby enabling a substantial reduction in the diameter of the piston and therefore of the size of the brake assembly from that of such assemblies heretofore necessary to transmit the same braking force to the shoe.