Abstract: Method and apparatus for deterring theft of manually operated wheeled vehicles, reducing unauthorized use and removal of steel or steel and plastic constructed swivel-wheel shopping carts by preventing the free movement of one or more of the installed wheels. Attached to the frame of the shopping cart, a braking device in accordance with the present invention, when activated, measures the distance traveled beyond an activating point by counting the number of wheel rotations made by the cart and compares this to a preprogrammed stored attribute that defines the allowable distance the cart is allowed to travel once outside the shopping facility. Depending on the direction the cart is travelling, the counter is "armed" or "disarmed" when the cart passes over low-frequency magnetic arrays placed at the entry or exit of the shopping facility.

Abstract: A monitoring and safety system for air-operated parking brakes and foot brakes on a vehicle employs electric contacts to provide alarms when movement of the actuators occurs in a manner indicative of failure or malfunction in the actuators or in the brakes themselves. The system also includes a number of air pressure sensors for monitoring and alarm functions. In addition, parking brake air pressure is monitored for purpose of overriding a movement sensor alarm when air pressure in the actuator indicates that the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A method ensures that, even under wet conditions, the unrestricted intended braking effect is always achieved on wheels of a vehicle brake system. At the same time, the service life of the brake system is not to be influenced appreciably. When a sensor device detects that wet conditions influencing the braking effect are present and it has been detected that the braking effect of a brake could be impaired, a temporary braking operation is carried out on at least that particular brake, in such a way that the deceleration of the vehicle cannot be perceived by the driver.

Abstract: A floating caliper disc brake comprises a stationary brake carrier including two carrier arms protruding beyond the outer rim of a brake disc. Disposed on either side of the brake disc are brake shoes that are displaceably supported on the carrier arms and embraced by a floating caliper guided in an axially displaceable manner on the brake carrier. A spring assembly, acting on the brake shoes in the brake releasing direction after braking, creates the clearance between the brake shoes and the brake disc. The spring assembly is provided with at least one expander spring which is non-displaceably secured to a section of the carrier arm located above the outer rim of the brake disc. The expander spring is provided with at least two spring struts which, in the brake releasing direction, are in resilient abutment with the back plates of the brake shoes and thus insure a uniform distribution of the brake clearance among the brake shoes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a one piece brake lining wear indicator that is a reversible circular dial. Calibration marks are included on both sides of the circular dial along with several accentuating notches on the outside circumference of the dial. When the dial is coupled to the splined end of a rotatable brake shoe camshaft that is equipped with manual or automatic slack adjusting levers, the dial acts as an indicator of the amount of brake lining wear that occurs inside the brake drum compartment.

Abstract: An end of train railroad air hose having audible warning device which is powered by air from the air brake line and is actuated by the operator from the end of the train. The audible warning device may be located remotely from the operator via an elongated flexible conduit.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A method provides a continuous indirect termination of the braking-surface temperature for vehicles having a wheel-slip control system using active brake actions, in which the instantaneous temperature value is reduced cyclically up to, at most, a predetermined minimum temperature by a decrement allowing for the cooling and, if brake activation is recognized, is additionally increased by a heating increment. This increment is ascertained solely by recording the wheel speeds or from data of a possibly present brake-valve control, for example a wheel-slip control system, and from filed characteristic diagrams obtained empirically. This provides a reliable estimation of brake temperature at a minimum outlay in terms of sensors.

Abstract: A friction pad for a disk brake is designed so that a wear sensor can be firmly secured to the friction pad. A circular cylindrical projection is formed on a backing plate of the friction pad by extrusion so that a wear sensor adapted to sound an alarm by coming in contact with a disk is fitted onto the projection and secured to the backing plate by caulking the projection. The projection is so deformed that the diameter d.sub.1 and height h.sub.1 of a resulting radially enlarged portion satisfy the relationship of (d.sub.1 -3.4).times.h.sub.1 .gtoreq.2.5, thereby preventing rotation of the wear sensor and rising of the enlarged portion.

Abstract: A brake lining wear indicator assembly includes a cable (9) having a wear sensor (8) adjacent one end thereof for attachment to a friction lining (7) of a vehicle brake, and a connector (11) at its other end for connecting the sensor, in use, to a wear sensing and indicating circuit. A cable support device (10) extends between the sensor and connector and carries at least a part of the cable, being adapted for cooperation with part of the brake body to support the assembly in an operative position relative to the brake. The support device serves to protect the cable carried thereby from deleterious conditions arising during braking, the assembly forming a self-contained unit for attachment to the brake.

Abstract: The objective of the claimed invention is to provide a drum brake device that enables an accurate determination of the degree of wear in the brake lining with an external visual examination. A colored strip 24, that visually confirms the amount of wear in the brake lining, is formed on one side face 23a of the brake lining 23 contained in brake shoe 20, and code 25 is superimposed on said colored strip. An inspection hole 14, bored in backplate 10 in a position facing the colored strip 24 and code 25 formed on lining 23, is used to visually ascertain the amount of wear in lining 23 and to check for the assembly of foreign parts in the brake shoe 20.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a traction control or anti-spin function for controlling wheel slip on differentially driven wheels of a vehicle. The system includes left and right fluid pressure operated brake mechanisms associated with left and right driven wheels of the vehicle. First and second brake valves control the communication of fluid pressure to the left and right brake mechanisms. In normal operation, an operator actuatable treadle concurrently operates both valves to simultaneously apply fluid pressure to the brake mechanisms as a function of treadle depression. Each brake valve includes a pilot pressure operated section for actuating a main fluid control section. Wheel speed sensors associated with the left and right driven wheels continuously monitor the rotational speed of the wheels.

Abstract: A motor vehicle safety device including a microswitch connected in series between the ignition system and battery power supply of a motor vehicle, and a float device disposed in the brake oil cup of the oil brake system of the motor vehicle and actuated to switch off the microswitch when the level of the brake fluid in the brake oil cup of the oil brake system of the motor vehicle drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A disk brake which is designed so that the sound pressure level of the alarm is stable. The disk brake includes a wear sensor composed of a mounting portion which is attached to an outer pad, and a pair of vibrating pieces extending circumferentially of a disk from the left and right ends of the mounting portion along a surface of the outer pad. Each vibrating piece includes an extended portion extending from the mounting portion, and a contact portion formed at the distal end of the extended portion in such a manner that the contact portion is bent toward the disk so as to extend around an edge of the outer pad. The contact portion has a distal end which is offset in the radially outward direction of the disk. The distal end of the contact portion is offset in the radially outward direction of the disk so that the end portion that comes in sliding contact with the disk lies within a braking surface of the disk which is in contact with the outer pad.

Abstract: A visual brake cylinder piston travel indicator for a railroad car having a brake cylinder device located remotely from a convenient viewing area. An indicator rod is suitably sized and configured to extend from the remote brake cylinder device to the viewing area where the brake cylinder piston travel may be determined by the relationship of the indicator rod end with respect to a reference point. At the brake cylinder device, the indicator rod is connected to the piston hollow rod by a bearing assembly that includes the hollow rod collar. The bearing assembly provides for relative rotation between the indicator rod and hollow rod, while concurrently transmitting axial movement of the piston to the indicator rod, such relative rotation being necessitated by the fact that the piston and hollow rod typically rotate during reciprocal movement between a brake application and brake release position, due to torsional forces imparted by the piston return spring.

Abstract: A directly actuated vibration absorber valve for controllable vibration absorbers. The valve includes a valve body that is actuatable by an electromechanical transducer. In the range of low volumetric flow rates an output signal is conveyed to an electric circuit which actuates the electromechanical transducer in such a way that a greater restricting function is imposed than that imposed during a second range of volumetric flow rates.

Abstract: A disk brake assembly includes a disk rotor, a mounting member secured to a vehicle body and having a pair of opposed arms positioned at opposite sides of the disk rotor, respectively, a pair of confronting pads arranged on the arms, respectively, a caliper slidably supported on the mounting member so as to be movable in an axial direction generally parallel to an axis of the disk rotor, the caliper having a piston portion and a reaction portion disposed on opposite sides of the disk rotor and arranged to press the pads against opposite surfaces of the disk rotor for generating a braking force therebetween, a plate secured to one of the arms so as to be deformed upon generation of the braking force along a direction thereof, and a detecting device serving for measuring a deformation of the plate as a braking force and converting the deformation into an electric signal.

Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator for an air brake having a brake chamber, comprises a body including a cavity within, the body including a passageway having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity, the inlet and outlet being adapted for connecting to an air line connected to the brake chamber such that pressurized air is routed through the cavity to turn the impeller whenever the air brake is activated; an impeller rotatably supported within the cavity; a sensor disposed adjacent the impeller for sensing the rotation of the impeller; and a display counter for counting and displaying the amount of rotation of the impeller which is indicative of the amount of air required to activate the air brake.

Abstract: A method of wear-dependent braking force distribution prevents adhesion problems without being limited to lowest brake pressures as is the case with conventional methods. Wear control is dispensed with only in the case of operationally very rare braking actions, for example, those above 0.3 g or a learned adhesion threshold. These rare braking actions are limited, in practice, to genuinely critical braking situations. Otherwise, the control interventions are carried out with to produce balanced wear only in the long term; an attempt is made to achieve wear at the same rate rather than simply balanced wear.

Abstract: A probe for detecting wear of a lining such as a brake pad in automobiles includes a holder having two insertion apertures and a notch. An electrically conducting wire is inserted through the insertion apertures of the holder. Portions of the wire positioned in the notch are secured to a fallout preventing member. Upon the progressive wear of the lining, a U-shaped portion of the wire is severed by a rotor of the brake system. The fallout preventing member prevents the wire from falling out of the holder once the wire has been severed. The portions of the wire remaining after the wire has been severed by the rotor can thus be prevented from twining around the rotor or the like.

Abstract: Electronic stroke indicators have sensor structures which are incorporated into a stone shield for a brake actuator. The incorporation of the sensor into the stone shield protects the sensor and its associated wires and contacts from damage by the other components in the brake actuator. In particular, the spring is typically maintained out of contact with any of the electric portions of the electronic stroke indicator, thus prolonging the life of the electronic stroke indicator. In further features of this invention, a magnetic sensor may monitor the position of magnetic portions on a piston rod. Alternatively, a pair of electric contact switches may be serially contacted by a structure on the piston rod as the brake moves further out of stroke. The two electric contacts provided different signals to an operator in a vehicle cab such that signals of the level of out-of-stroke conditions are provided to the operator.

Abstract: A bracket body which is easily affixed to the brake rod and clevis member of conventional brake adjustment apparatus of air-actuated braking mechanism, provides indirect measurement of brake rod travel and adjustment, by the body showing the amount of angular rotation of the brake's adjuster member, even though brake rod travel is a generally linear stroke movement. The bracket body has a central body portion from which extends two extension members, a first one of the extension members being provided with attachment for the clevis and brake rod assembly, and the central body portion with attachment to the clevis pin. The second extension member provides the visual reference by relevance to the adjuster member.

Abstract: A brake monitoring and warning system is intended for use on a motor vehicle (110), and more particularly is intended for use on tractor-trailer combinations. The vehicle includes plural, powered brakes. Each brake includes a brake activation arm (18) and a mechanism (16) for shifting the brake activation arm between a brake-off position and a brake-applied position, such as an air-driven cylinder. The monitoring and warning system includes a sensor (26) which is connected to the brake-activation arm (18) and monitors the position of the brake-activation arm. The sensor generates and transmits a brake condition signal which is representative of a safety condition of the brake associated with a particular brake activation arm. A logic mechanism is connected to the sensors and receives and interprets the brake condition signal. Visual (160, 162) and auditory (164) warning devices are connected to the logic mechanisms for warning the vehicle operator of the safety condition of the brakes on the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake assembly (10) for selectively starting and stopping rotation of a shaft (12) journaled in a frame (14) of a motor comprises an end plate (16) mounted to the motor frame, the end plate (16) being formed with mounting slots (40) formed axially therein. Friction discs (26, 26a) are secured to the shaft (12) for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (12) and pressure plates (36, 36a, 36b) are non-rotatably mounted in the mounting slots (40) of the end plates (16) and axially movable toward and away from the friction discs (26, 26a).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an elevator brake includes at least one sensor and a monitoring circuit. The elevator brake has a rotating brake drum upon which a pair of brake shoes are pressed during braking. The sensor is embedded in a carrier which is mounted on the brake shoe and extends into a brake lining on the shoe. The sensor has a pair of connecting wires each formed into a generally U-shaped loop extending toward the brake drum. The sensor can be a temperature dependent resistor wherein the temperatures in the brake lining, caused by excessive braking processes, can be detected electrically. The thickness of the brake lining decreases due to wear until the brake drum connects the loops upon braking, whereby the sensor is short-circuited which condition can be detected electrically. In the case of brake lining breaks, an infinite resistance occurs between the connecting wires which can likewise be detected electrically.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the braking force in railborne vehicles, for trains combining railborne vehicles of more recent and older construction. The braking signal, which can be switched pneumatically via a main air line is transmitted to the brake control by a PU converter connected to the main air line rather than transmitting the braking signal via the vehicle bus.

Abstract: A method for detecting trouble in a fluid pressure system which has a fluid pressure source including a fluid pump, a pressure tank connected to the pump, a pressure detector for detecting fluid pressure in the pressure tank, and a control device for controlling the operation of the fluid pump on the basis of an output signal from the pressure detector, comprising the steps of operating such fluid pressure systems with output fluid pressure from the fluid pressure source, detecting variation in the output signal from the pressure detector and when the output signal is less than a first predetermined value during operation of the fluid pressure system driving said fluid pump regardless of the output signal from the pressure detector, and when the variation in output signal from the pressure detector is less than a second predetermined value as a result of such driving of said fluid pump energizing a signal to indicate that the system is out of order.

Abstract: A parking brake valve includes a magnetically attractable sled containing fluid stoppers and fluid passers that moves along a track, a fluid exchange unit, solenoids at either end of the track and a remote actuator. The parking brake valve is added to an existing hydraulic vehicle braking system. When the existing braking system is actuated, braking fluid is forced through the parking brake valve. Activating a locking solenoid attracts the sled into a fluid interrupting or locking position, thereby locking the brake system in a braking state. Activating an unlocking solenoid moves the sled such that brake fluid can again flow through the parking brake valve, thereby allowing the braking system to function normally. Integral fluid pressure valves allow the monitoring of fluid pressure within the parking brake valve allowing operation to be monitored.

Abstract: Wear warning device for indicating wear in brake lining and drum in drum brakes for motor vehicles with automatic brake adjustment. In a drum brake with a lifter and adjustment devices (5), comprising an internally threaded lifter head (7) and a lifter screw (8) screwed therein, the wear warning device comprises a switch (20) supported by the lifter head, the switch having an axially displaceable pin (22) in contact with the thread of the screw (8). the screw is provided at its distal end with a depression (26) in the thread. When the pin moves down into the depression, the circuit in the switch is closed in order to activate a warning device.

Abstract: In a spot-type disc brake assembly with an electric friction lining warning device and a bleeder screw, a warning contact plug is supported at the brake caliper by using a holder. The holder is fixedly attached to the bleeder screw and has tongues that abut against the brake caliper. The tongues are a safeguard against the holder rotating relative to the caliper and position the warning contact plug on the brake.

Abstract: A brake-pressure control device is disclosed with a service-brake valve for allocating pressure from a supply source, and via an automatically load-dependent brake-power controller to the wheel-brake cylinders of a rear axle and from a supply source to the wheel-brake cylinders of a front axle of a motor vehicle. Wear sensors are provided for detecting the respective residual lining thickness of the wheel-brake linings, the output signals from the wear sensors being fed to control electronics which, in the event of differing wear of the linings on the two axles, generate a signal for activating a solenoid valve, which corrects the brake pressure on the wheel brakes of one axle. Instead of correcting the brake pressure on the wheel brakes of the respective axle which have greater wear in comparison with the wheel brakes of the other axle, according to the invention a correction of the brake pressure takes place always only on the wheel brakes of one axle only this axle being assigned a solenoid valve.

Abstract: A security brake system comprising a plurality of braking modules, each module coupled between a brake master cylinder and a set of wheel cylinders of a vehicle, each module further comprising a body having a first, second, third ports, and a plurality of channels disposed therein between the ports, the first port allowing the transfer of braking pressure to the body from the brake master cylinder, the second port allowing the transfer of braking pressure from the body to a set of wheel cylinders, the channels transferring brake pressure therethrough between the ports; a valve mechanism coupled to the third port of the body and extended within a channel between the first and second ports for controlling brake pressure between the first and second ports, whereby allowing the brakes of the vehicle to be locked or unlocked; and an activation mechanism for activating the valve mechanism in one orientation, whereby unlocking the brakes of the vehicle, and deactivating the valve mechanism in another orientation, th

Abstract: A braking device for a wheeled vehicle such as a cart or trolley includes a braking member which can contact the ground and lift the vehicle to impede further movement thereof, a blocking member which can block the braking member to prevent its contact with the ground, and a trigger which is actuated by a magnet in the ground to release the blocking member and its blocking relationship with the braking member.

Abstract: A computer based parking brake detection and warning system and method includes pressure sensors for sensing a pressure in a parking brake line to detect that a parking brake has been activated. The computer waits a predetermined period of time after detecting that the parking brake has been activated. The system determines parking brake warning levels based on the speed of the vehicle, detecting the activation of the parking brake, and based upon whether power has been requested by an operator. The system activates a visual and audible alarm in response to the determining of a warning level when the speed is above or below a predetermined threshold. Multiple levels of warning levels are used depending upon the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-rattle spring (11) is mounted in a backing plate (31) of one a pair of opposed backing plate and friction pad assemblies 15 in a generally planar parallel relationship with a rotor (17) engaging friction surfaces and stationary torque support members (19,38). The spring (11) comprises a base portion (21) disposed in a plane which is generally parallel to the planes of the friction surfaces. The base portion (21) is fastened to one of the pads (15) through an elongated boss (39) in backing plate 31 and a corresponding hole (45) in the backing plate (31). The relationship between the elongated hole (45) and boss (39) prevents the anti-rattle spring (11) from rotating on the backing plate 31. The spring (11) also includes a web portion (23) which extends generally perpendicularly from the base portion (21) and a U-shaped resilient cantilevered blade (25) which extends from the web portion (23).

Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored non-stop sign shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.

Abstract: An electronic brake pedal adjustment apparatus has an apparatus for setting braking characteristics by which the driver can enter the relationship between the desired brake fluid pressure with respect to a given brake pedal effort, a detector for detecting an actual brake pedal pressure; and a computer for calculating a desired brake fluid pressure based on the set braking characteristics for the detected brake pedal effort. A brake fluid pressure control device is also provided so as to make the actual brake fluid pressure commensurate with the calculated brake fluid pressure. The relationship between the desired brake fluid pressure and the given brake pedal effort is shown on a display.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave is propagated through a brake pad to determine various brake conditions including brake pad wear, brake status (engaged/disengaged), a wet brake failure or a brake drag failure. The propagation and reflection time of an echo signal generated at a far boundary of the pad is indicative of brake wear. Brake drum or disc speed is determined by using radial indicia on the periphery of the drum or disc to modulate an ultrasonic wave reflected from or transmitted through the drum or disc and demodulating the sensed modulated signal as a speed indication. The various other conditions are determined by means of filters, comparators and logic.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric brake having an actuator controllable for moving brake pads against and away from a friction brake surface comprising the steps of (i) retracting a brake actuator after a braking operation; (ii) measuring a parameter indicative of work during the retraction; and (iii) moving the brake actuator to a position at which the brake actuator is ready for a next brake operation, wherein step (iii) is responsive to the measured parameter, wherein the brakes are rehomed adaptively to compensate for brake wear.

Abstract: A vehicle brake wear warning system, comprising a displacement sensor, for determining the relative displacement necessary to fully actuate a brake. The displacement sensor has a piston, which operates in a shaft. The movement of the piston within the shaft is relative to the distance the brake's slack adjuster must move to fully actuate the brake. When the brakes are actuated, the location of the piston in the shaft of the displacement sensor becomes relevant in determining brake wear. The displacement sensor is sensitive to the position of the piston within the shaft. If the piston rests within a first range in the shaft, a small amount of brake wear is present, and a safe condition is indicated. If the piston rests within a second range in the shaft, a medium amount of brake wear is present, and the system will notify the driver that a brake adjustment is appropriate.

Abstract: An indicator unit for a vehicle air brake system is provided which includes a brake rod mounted for movement between a non-braking first position and a predetermined safe maximum braking second position. A pivotally mounted slack adjuster is connected to the brake rod and is responsive to the movement of the rod. An indicator unit is provided which has a first section removably mounted on the connection between the rod and adjuster, a second section retained in a predetermined alignment with the rod, and a third section angularly disposed relative to the second section. The unit third section is provided with angularly disposed, exposed, first and second reference marks. When the rod is in the first position, the first reference mark is aligned with a predetermined first segment of the adjuster. When the rod is in the second position, the second reference mark is aligned with the predetermined segment of the adjuster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction member comprising a support plate (26, 30) and a friction element (22, 24) arranged on one side of the support plate 26, 30), the friction element (22, 24) being adapted to engage one face of a rotating member (12), and at least one wear indicator (32) associated with the support plate (26, 30) so as to generate an audible signal when the friction element (22, 24) possesses, on account of its wear, a predetermined thickness (L). According to the invention, the wear indicator (32) is formed by a spring comprising an intermediate part (34) for fixing of the wear indicator (32) onto the support plate (26, 30) on the side of the latter which bears the friction element (22, 24), a first end part (36) for emission of the audible signal and a second end part (40, 50, 36') for locking of the wear indicator (32) in rotation with respect to the support plate (26, 30).

Abstract: The brake monitoring system of the present invention monitors and measures brake adjustment and brake lining wear in vehicles employing air brakes having an "S-Cam" assembly. The S-Cam is actuated by an pneumatically driven push-rod, which rotates a cam shaft on which the S-Cam is mounted by moving a slack adjuster lever mounted on an opposed end of the cam shaft. The S-Cam forces a pair of opposed brake shoes against the interior surface of a brake drum. Rotation of the S-Cam is measured with each application of the brakes and converted into a readout of the adjustment of the brake's adjustment and brake wear which is displayed in the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored curvilinear shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.

Abstract: A gauge for indicating the setting and linear stroke movement of a brake rod of a brake assembly. Reference indicators are provided on both the brake-rod's yoke or clevis and on the arm of the brake's slack adjuster member; and the indicators cooperate, by their relative movement, showing brake rod travel and adjustment as a visual indication by the relative movement by the reference indicator of the linearly-moving clevis with respect to the angular rotation of the reference indicator on the rotating-slack adjuster arm.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting overtravel of a brake rod. The sensor includes a first part attached to the housing of a pneumatic brake actuator, and a second part connected to the rod. One part is a body having an axial passage, with a pair of axially-extending conductors in its wall. The other part is a rod having a conductive head which will bridge the conductors to enable an electrical current to pass when the rod is in a position respective to overtravel.

Abstract: The disk brake includes a caliper having a plurality of claw portions. A carrier supports the caliper for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the disk. A pair of pads are disposed on opposite sides of the disk for sliding in the axial direction of the disk. A wear alarm member is attached to one of the pads, which is pressed by the claw portions of the caliper, at a position inbetween the claw portions. The wear alarm member has a mounting portion attached to the pad and a vibrating piece extending from the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the disk. The distal end portion of the vibrating piece is bent toward the disk at the periphery of the pad to form a contact portion.

Abstract: An automatic slack adjuster or manual slack adjuster conversion which automatically adjusts the brakes incorporating a monitoring system that monitors the operation and adjustment of air powered brakes as used on vehicles. The system monitors the travel of the brake components, and when needed uses electromagnetic or pneumatic power to provide adjustment of the vehicle's brakes. Using groups of visual indicators to create a visual dashboard display of all brakes on the vehicle, the driver is provided with immediate and accurate brake operation and adjustment information. The visual indicators are controlled by multi-range position detectors that are incorporated into the automatic slack adjuster or conversion unit. Each position of the multi-range position detector activates an individual visual indicator providing precise range of adjustment indications each time the brakes are applied.

Abstract: A transducer health and offset calibration processing arrangement for a multiple axle railway vehicle including a brake cylinder transducer correction function circuit coupled to a stuck/dragging brake signal terminal, a brake command signal terminal, and a power/brake trainline signal terminal. A zero speed latch circuit and a transducer circuit interface health check circuit connected to a zero speed signal terminal. A first three-input AND gate connected to the zero speed signal terminal, a snowbrake trainline signal terminal, and a Servotrol output signal terminal. A second three-input AND gate coupled to the output of the first three-input AND gate and a highest axle speed signal terminal. A minimum axle rate discriminator circuit connected to each of plurality of axle rate signal terminals of the multiple axles of the railway vehicle. A brake cylinder pressure circuit check and a brake cylinder pressure signal generator coupled to a truck brake cylinder pressure signal terminal.

Abstract: A disc brake having two brake pads adapted to be pressed against the brake disc on either side is supported via guide pins (34, 36, 38, 40) on a brake support (10) with respect to the frictional forces occurring on braking. A force sensor is arranged on or in the guide pins to measure the brake torque directly.