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: An improved hose coupling gasket in which the standard gasket retaining flange is modified to include an additional sealing bead strategically formed on the upper surface of the flange such as to engage the adjacent surface of the gasket retaining groove in the coupling head. The diameter of this additional sealing bead is such that the point of engagement between the sealing bead and retaining groove corresponds to a gage point where the dimensional accuracy of the retaining groove width is checked in accordance with A.A.R. requirements.

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 single-cylinder, truck-mounted brake assembly for a railway vehicle truck in which low-cost, lightweight, truss-type brake beams are employed, with one beam having the single brake cylinder mounted thereon. Force-transfer levers pivotally-mounted to the respective brake beams at the beam-midpoint are interconnected by force-transmitting members that pass through openings in the bolster to move the brake beams into brake shoe/wheel engagement when a brake application is made. The brake rigging is set up so that the transfer lever bail imparted to the force-transmitting members is split. With respect to the force-transfer lever connected to the one force-transmitting member (brake cylinder), this has the effect of the brake cylinder piston skewing equally on opposite sides of the cylinder centerline to prevent piston seal leakage.

Abstract: A single-cylinder, truck-mounted brake assembly for a railway car truck in which low-cost, light-weight, truss-type brake beams are employed, with one beam having an expansible brake actuator in the form of an air bag mounted thereon. The brake rigging arrangement employs an equalizing lever that is pivotally-connected to each brake beam at its centrally-located strut bar, and force-transmitting members between the respective ends of the equalizing levers, so that the force of the brake actuator is transferred from the brake beam strut bar to the brake shoes via the beam tension member. Accordingly, the light-weight, low-cost brake beams are not subjected to such bending forces as would otherwise require a stronger beam. The single-cylinder air bag arrangement is made possible by utilizing a slack adjuster device as the one force-transmitting member.

Abstract: An improved hose coupling for railway vehicle brake pipe hoses, which hose coupling is characterized by a nipple portion disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the coupling head and an angular extension of the lower end of the coupling lip for preventing premature or inadvertent uncoupling due to excessive bouncing motion of the vehicle and, therefore, vertical oscillation of the hoses.

Abstract: An improved hose coupling for railway vehicle brake pipe hoses, which coupling is characterized by a straight nipple portion and an angular extension of the lower end of the coupling lip for preventing inadvertent uncoupling due to excessive bouncing motion of the vehicle and, therefore, vertical oscillation of the hoses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vented ball-type cock such as is used at each end of the brake pipe on a railway vehicle in which the brake pipe hose connected to the cock outlet is vented to atmosphere in the cock closed position via a passageway extending through the cock body, the cover therefor and a spiral groove of some suitable configuration formed on a cylindrical stem extending through the cover for rotating a ball-type valve within the cock body between an open and a closed position. A resilient seal obliquely mounted on the stem for rotation therewith is shifted thereby, relative to the cover, from the cock closed position in which a communication between the inlet and outlet of the cock is closed and the hose-venting passageway is open, to the open position in which the communication between the inlet and outlet of the cock is open and the hose-venting passageway is closed.

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.

Abstract: A novel, low-cost pipe bracket which is provided with drill holes instead of pre-cast passageways as formed in a casting type bracket, said drill holes being disposed to register with the connection ports of any fluid pressure operable device to be mounted on the bracket. A pipe connector, either of the screw-threaded or butt weld type is placed in each drill hole and secured therein by a flange formed on the connector being drawn up against a shoulder formed in the drill hole when the valve device is secured to the pipe bracket. Thus, when the pipes have been connected to the pipe connectors, the valve device may be removed without disconnecting the pipes from the bracket.