Abstract: A disc brake, especially for use with automotive vehicles is disclosed including brake housing staddling the rim of a brake disc, brake pads disposed on either side of the brake disc and a spring supported on the brake housing and on the brake pads to load the same with respect to one another. To attain an adequate preloading force and to insure the required stroke, it is provided that the spring includes two circumferentially extending U-shaped spring arms that are capable of being placed into abutment with a supporting face on the brake pad. Another section of the spring abuts on a supporting face formed on the brake housing. The spring arms form an obtuse angle relative to a central section of the spring.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system for a motorized vehicle having fluid brakes including a pressurized fluid chamber and brake engaging apparatus. Sensors are provided to measure the required fluid pressure exerted by the fluid chamber on the engaging apparatus to bring about braking of the vehicle. Measurement is also made of the distance the engaging apparatus is extended from the fluid chamber in braking. Apparatus is further provided to determine from the measured fluid pressure and measured engaging distance whether the brakes are properly adjusted.

Abstract: A warning device for detecting mineral oil impurities in the brake fluid of hydraulic vehicle brake systems is described. The warning device comprises a body which is arranged in the brake fluid and can swell as a result of mineral oil and the change of shape of which indicates the presence of mineral oil impurities. The indication is given particularly as a result of the fact that the change in shape brought about by the swelling causes the opening or closing of an electrical circuit and thereby actuates a visual or acoustic indicator in the dashboard of the vehicle.

Abstract: An hydraulic buffer or brake is provided on an escalator to stop movement of the steps in case power is interrupted, or if a safety device is activated. The braking action occurs in parallel to the inclination of the step chain. The braking action occurs in several stages so that a maximum time delay between initiation of the device and stopping of the steps can be achieved. In the first stage, the braking force is more solely applied, so that the first stage can affect a stopping of an empty escalator when completed. In the second stage the braking force is more quickly applied, so that the first and second stages can affect a stopping of a heavily loaded escalator in concert in the same maximum deceleration as the first stage can, when completed stop the lightly loaded escalator.

Abstract: An improved S-cam (100) for expanding internal shoe (20) drum brakes (10) is provided. The working surfaces (116) of the S-cam are provided at their ends with an extremely high rise/low mechanical advantage portion (122) providing a warning ramp to indicate to the operator that brake relining is required and to minimize the possibility of cam flip.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensing apparatus for monitoring a structure subject to wear, and providing an automatic indication upon the thickness of such structure being worn to a predetermined, minimum operable value. Such apparatus includes a sensing device that is insertable into a recess in one surface of structure to a depth corresponding to the predetermined minimum thickness; and a coaxial electrical cable including an inner conductor, a heat resistant covering, and an outer metallic tubular sheath that is preferably corrugated. One end of the coaxial cable is shaped as a loop and is positioned within the sensing device in the vicinity of the bottom face thereof, while the other end of the cable is connected to a contact assembly to which is connected a measuring circuit for automatically ascertaining the condition of the cable components within the sensing device.

Abstract: In a disc brake having brake pads (22) accommodated inside openings (14) formed in a support member (12), the external edge (34) of the lining carrier plate (24) of each pad has at least one projecting part (54) accommodated inside an aperture (56) formed in a caliper (36) straddling the disc (10). A stud (58) made of a wear-resistant material projects from each part (54) toward the disc. Thus, in the event of the pad (22) slipping between the support member (12) and the disc (10) when the friction lining (26) is totally worn and the disc is worn, the projecting part (54) bears against the edge of the aperture (56), creating a torque which brings a stud (58) into contact with the peripheral edge (10c) of the disc.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber is designed not only to support, for example, the body of a vehicle on an axle thereof, but also to adjust the level at which the body of the vehicle is disposed from the ground. The shock absorber has a shock absorber body, a piston axially slidably received in the body, and a piston rod having a hollow portion. The shock absorber further has a rod-shaped member secured at one end thereof to an inner portion of the shock absorber body and the other end thereof received in the hollow portion of the piston rod, and a detector for detecting a relative position of the piston rod and the rod-shaped member, the level detector being accommodated inside the piston rod. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an erroneous detection and detect the level of the body of a vehicle with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: An air brake adjustment marker for use on a vehicle having an air brake system attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle. The air brake system incudes an air supply, an air canister connected to the air supply and attached to the undercarriage. The air brake system further includes members movable with respect to the undercarriage. The movable members include a push rod extending from the air canister that moves between a retracted position to a first extended position and to a second over-extended position. A brake mechanism is operably connected to and movable by the push rod. The adjustment marker includes a chain attached to the push rod and having a predetermined length corresponding to the first extended position. A snap is attached to one end of the chain and a clamp is attached to the other end.

Abstract: On a vehicle, an emergency signal indicating a skidding condition is displayed by flashing the brake lights which are controlled by an antiskid brake system.

Abstract: The wear indicator comprises essentially a coaxial cable (4, 5) of which the conducting core (4) and the conducting sleeve (5) are connected electrically by a socket (6, 6', 6", 6'41 ). One bared end of the core (4) is disposed on a wear limit plane of a lining forming part of a friction member. A rotating member, disc or drum then cuts the end of the core when the lining reaches its permissible wear limit.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for determining and checking a state or condition of a hydraulic fluid contained in a brake system, including a state of hydration and/or age such that the fluid boiling point is reduced. The boiling point or a characteristic value of the fluid which depends on the boiling point, on the one hand, and the instantaneous temperature value of the fluid, on the other hand, are measured by means of sensor elements. These two values represent a range of permissible comparative temperature values, including a thermal reserve which is within that same range and is determined for further permissible heating of the fluid. A warning signal is released when a predetermined minimum value of the thermal reserve is reached. The sensor elements have hollow spaces with open walls permitting fluid flow-through and have such a design as to ensure that, after heating-up, there comes about a stable cellular convection in a temperature range lying below the boiling temperature.

Abstract: A disc brake lining wear sensor (40) comprises a plastic encapsulated lining wear sensor (40) having a support bracket (42) which is attached to a support member (12) of the disc brake (10). The inner brake pad (16) has a peripherally projecting portion (17) and the caliper (22) has a peripheral caliper projecting portion (23). The sensor (40) extends axially from a longitudinal mid-portion (46) into two oppositely disposed and axially extending end portions (48, 50). Each of the end portions (48, 50) is connected with the mid-portion (46) by a sloped or ramped surface (52, 54). A metal conductor (55) is encapsulated within the wear sensor (40) and disposed adjacent the surfaces (52, 54) of the end portions (48, 50).

Abstract: A failure warning device is provided for use with an auxiliary pump unit made ready by either an ignition-on signal or a brake-on signal and activated by a pump-failure signal. The failure warning device has a monitor circuit coupled to a warning circuit. For maintaining reliability of the auxiliary pump unit, the module circuitry is wired as a monitor not including circuit components of the auxiliary pump unit. It has a first input coupled to a common ready signal produced by the pump unit and a second input coupled to a motor terminal of the pump unit. The monitor circuit responds to failure-related states of the ready signal and the motor terminal impedance and voltage by generating an anomaly signal. The alarm circuit switches on an alarm, such as a buzzer and light, when it receives both the ignition-on and anomaly signals.

Abstract: A brake condition warning system for liquid cooled brakes that includes an indicator showing whether pressure in the cooling liquid passing through the erodable brake members has exceeded an acceptable valve which corresponds to an excessive amount of brake wear. Also, there may be included temperature sensitive means for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the chamber preventing the pressure indication until the cooling liquid has reached a predetermined operating temperature thus preventing false indications of excessive wear due to the viscosity of cold cooling liquid.

Abstract: The indicator comprises a loop of an electrical conductor 2 embedded in a body 1, from which a stud 3 and a lug 4 project. The stud 3 is pushed into a hole 9 made in a support plate 5 of the friction member, and the rest of the body and the lug 4 are turned down round one edge of the plate as a result of the deformability of the body between the stud 3 and the 4. The groove formed at the end of the stud 3 makes it possible to retain the lug 4 against the support plate in order to ensure that the indicator is fastened to this plate. The invention is used on disc brakes or drum brakes for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A thermocouple for use with a brake block outputs a signal indicative alternatively of the steady state temperature of the brake block friction element and of the transient temperature of the friction element brake drum interface.

Abstract: A brake system for a rail vehicle provides a strain-gauge sensor in the brake-force path to be connected in a Wheatstone bridge control together with a variable resistance for setting the desired brake force. The latter includes an infrared photo FET bridged by a parallel-fixed resistor and forming another branch of the bridge, the photodiode being controlled by the vehicle operator. The Wheatstone bridge controls a motor connected by a spindle drive to the actuator for the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A torque-responsive brake, in particular for elevators, comprises two or more brakes arcs, brake shoes pivotally connected to the brake arcs and having attached brake linings and a brake actuating mechanism for pressing the brake linings against a drum. With prior art brakes, the starting of the elevator was not smooth enough or, alternatively, the types of apparatus by which smooth starting has been achieved were too complicated and expensive. By the present invention these drawbacks have been overcome in that, for pivotally attaching each brake shoe to its brake arc, a pivot shaft extends through the respective brake shoe and is connected to one end of a torque-responsive member, the opposite end of which is fixed to the respective brake arc.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferred airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring periodic adjustment of vehicle braking systems to maintain brake mechanism motion within prescribed bounds are disclosed and include an arrangement for monitoring motion of a selected brake mechanism component each time the vehicle brakes are applied and triggering a visible indicator only when the application of the vehicle brakes results in movement of the monitored component beyond a predetermined distance. Once triggered, the indicator remains triggered or "on" until manually reset.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes a brake apparatus of the drum brake type; an electromagnetic valve arranged in a conduit between a wheel cylinder and a master cylinder; and a detector for detecting one directional movement of the brake friction members of the brake apparatus due to a backward rotational force of a wheel and another directional movement of the brake friction members due to a forward rotational force of the wheel when the brake friction members are pressed to the frictional surface of the rotator. The brake friction members being able to move within a predetermine range in accordance with the torque of the wheel. The detector includes a slide anchor slidably fitted to a through hold in a stationary anchor, the brake friction members being engaged with the slide anchor, and an electrical switch for detecting the movement of the slide anchor. The valve being closed and opened by the detecting output of the electrical switch.

Abstract: An apparatus which measures and regulates the braking torque of a brake unit in long-term operational use. The brake unit includes both a brakable element and the braking device. An output signal from at least one temperature-dependent measuring element, located on or in one of the brakable elements and the braking device, is supplied to an evaluation apparatus. The evaluation apparatus determines, from the current value of the output signal of the temperature-measuring element, a present braking torque, and adjusts such torque when desirable.

Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator adapted to be mounted to a mounting bracket which supports a brake air chamber on a surface of the mounting bracket opposite the brake air chamber with the brake air chamber having a rod extending therethrough with one end of the rod adjacent the surface and connected by a clevis pin to a brake arm. The brake adjustment indicator comprises a bracket having an elongated body portion and having on one end thereof a base plate positioned generally at right angle to the base portion. The base portion is adapted to be mounted onto the mounting plate. The elongated body portion has an elongated, continuous slot therethrough, which slot is generally parallel to the rod when the base plate is mounted to the mounting plate. The brake adjustment indicator also comprises a pointer adapted to be adjustably mounted in the slot of the body portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic booster for vehicle includes a master cylinder part; a pneumatic cylinder part combined with the master cylinder part which includes a power piston slidable fitted to a cylindrical casing and an output rod fixed to the power piston, extending to the master cylinder part; a partition wall body fitted to the cylindrical casing; and a relay valve part arranged at the opposite side of the partition wall body from the power piston in the cylindrical casing. The relay valve supplies compressed air into an air pressure chamber formed between the partition wall body and the power piston and discharges the compressed air from the air pressure chamber to the atmosphere. When compressed air is suppplied into the air pressure chamber through the relay valve part the power piston and the output rod are moved forwards to generate hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. The hydraulic pressure is applied to a wheel cylinder for braking.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a piston slidably mounted in a fluid cylinder for decelerating the motion of an object acting on the shock absorber. A metering mechanism adjusts the rate at which fluid escapes from the cylinder upon displacement of the piston caused by impact of the object. A proximity sensor disposed in the end of the cylinder provides an indication of when the piston reaches a displacement position corresponding to a stroke length in which maximum energy is transferred from the object to the fluid. The proximity sensor includes an electrical probe extending through the end wall of the cylinder and possesses an electrical property whose magnitude varies in accordance with the distance between the piston and the probe.

Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic booster for vehicles includes a master cylinder part; a pneumatic cylinder part combined with the master cylinder part including a power piston slidably fitted to a cylindrical casing and an output rod fixed to the power piston, extending to the master cylinder part; a partition wall body fitted to the cylindrical casing; and a relay valve part being arranged at the opposite side of the partition wall body to the power piston in the cylindrical casing. The relay valve supplies compressed air into an air pressure chamber formed between the partition wall body and the power piston and discharges the compressed air from the air pressure chamber to the atmosphere. When compressed air is supplied into the air pressure chamber through the relay valve part, the power piston and the output rod are moved forwards to generate hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder part. The hydraulic pressure is applied to a wheel cylinder.

Abstract: Pulley hoists are disclosed which provide moving anchor hooks that are suspended by two "pulls" of rope, and which may be fabricated by a single part. Anchor hooks are also disclosed which have multiple, independently movable hook portions so that certain large objects may be moved using a sole power unit having said anchor hooks at either end thereof. The anchor hooks of the present invention are also provided with tension indicator apparatuses and safety apparatuses in the event of the overloading of the device. Safety apparatus and sound alarm apparatus are also provided on the power units of the pulley hoists of the present invention in the event of the overloading of the device.

Abstract: A brake adjustment monitoring device of use on motor vehicles to warn the operators when the brakes are in need of adjustment or repair. A magnet is adjustably secured to the brake shaft connected to an existing brake air chamber assembly. A magnetically sensitive switch which is electrically connected to a wear signaling device is mounted on a rod proximate to the brake shaft at a predetermined distance from the magnet, so as to close the switch by magnetic flux when the shaft of the air chamber moves outward too far after the operator touches the brake pedal of the vehicle. The switch when closed energizes the wear signaling device, such as a buzzer and bulb, to alert the operator that the brakes are in need of adjustment.

Abstract: A brake clearance sensing and control system (60) is provided for controlling brake released clearance (c) between a frictional braking member (6) and a rotary brake surface (15). System (60) includes an air flow rate sensor (18) operative to provide a signal (26) indicative of air flow rate through conduit (4) between a pressurized air source (2) and a gap (16) between frictional member (6) and rotary brake surface (15) that is a function of clearance (c) and which creates a variable air flow restriction. System (60) preferably includes a pulse control (20) operative to cause pressurized air to flow through conduit (4) only in the brake released condition and signal (26) is operative to either or both provide a warning signal (32) when clearance (c) has exceeded a predetermined maxiumum and to enable an adjusting mechanism to adjust clearance (c) to a desired predetermined clearance in the brake released condition.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly having a spring retainer holding the inner brake shoe assembly to the brake piston and also having a brake lining wear sensor formed as a part of the spring retainer which will engage the rotating disc of the assembly and generate an audible wear warning signal when the brake is actuated and the brake lining of the brake shoe assembly is worn sufficiently to permit such engagement.

Abstract: A sliding-caliper disc brake assembly includes an H-shaped anti-rattle spring for a brake backing plate that is movable directly by a brake apply piston and an electrical lining wear indicator comprising a mounting portion molded from electrically insulating plastics material with an embedded loop of electrical contact wire fastened on to a central region of the anti-rattle spring. A leg of the mounting portion extends into a recess formed in a layer of friction material carried by the brake backing plate. The mounting block is formed with an internal recess a pair of lateral locating arms and a snap-over detent tongue for co-operation with the anti-rattle spring to ensure secure retention of the mounting portion in position on the spring.

Abstract: An adjustable damping force type shock absorber having a function to detect a damping force generated thereon and a function to adjust the damping force thereof.

Abstract: A booster unit for moving a vehicle on a slope and having a booster and a master cylinder coupled to the booster, comprising a brake fluid pressure holding valve having an actuator and provided at a brake fluid pressure piping system for either maintaining or releasing the brake fluid pressure in accordance with the conditions of the vehicle on a slope, a plurality of sensors for detecting the vehicle conditions and a control unit including a microprocessor having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM so as to receive detected signals from the sensors and to calculate and produce control signals to the actuator of the brake fluid pressure holding valve in accordance with the conditions of the vehicle on a slope, and a method of controlling the booster unit. With this construction, a smooth moving of the vehicle can be realized on a slope.

Abstract: An overload protection and/or warning arragement for a vehicle brake which is activated by brake pressure so that overload protection and warning indication occurs essentially without any time-delay.In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to compare, by means of a comparison apparatus, a design brake pressure P(design) determined on the basis of a regulated variable imparted to an activation apparatus of the vehicle brake and of operating data of the vehicle and/or of the design data of the brakes and of the brake application apparatus with the actual brake pressure P(actual), and to initiate a warning signal if P(actual) differs by a specified amount from P(design).In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the warning signal be initiated if the actual brake pressure produced by the existing brake pressure differs by a specified amount from a design brake force which is determined from the brake pressure and the design data of the brake and the brake-actuating apparatus.

Abstract: Vehicular suspension system with apparatus for the measurement of at least one parameter related to suspended and/or nonsuspended vehicle parts. The apparatus has sensing units integrated into a vibration damper. The measurement is thereby made by a light source located inside an inertial mass, the light from which travels through at least one hole in the mass and strikes one or more photo elements located in the inside wall of a housing. This apparatus makes possible a direct evaluation of the signals. If necessary, digital words can be formed by different photo elements and holes for the determination of the position.

Abstract: The signal transmitter (1) includes a casing (10) which, when installed, is positioned opposite a brake member (8) at decreasing spacing as the wear of the brake lining (6) progresses. The casing (10) contains electrical contacts (31,35,37,39) and leads (41,43,45) the switching states of which are adapted to be changed at a certain wear or heating of the brake lining (6). A plug (51) is guided in the casing (10) for displacement out of an inoperative position in parallel with the direction of wear of the brake lining (6). Upon progressed wear of the brake lining (6) the brake member (8) mentioned presses the plug (51) further into the casing (10). In a terminal position of the plug (51) at least one of the contacts (37,39) is held in a switching position which differs from the inoperative position, whereby an alarm signal is released.

Abstract: The invention provides a manually held leash, lead, line or the like for large and strong animals which incorporates a shock absorbing device for diminishing the effect of the force or strain transmitted when the animal suddenly and forcibly pulls, lunges, bolts, jumps, etc. The shock absorber incorporated resilient shock absorbing elements automatically operative to oppose the force exerted by the animal and diminish its effect on the manually held leash. The device is constituted of a pneumatic cylinder the piston of which is connected to the animal and normally is retained in a retracted position by a compressive spring against which the animal pulls. In addition to the restraining force imposed by the spring, compressed air also is utilized to absorb the shock of the animal's pulling force. A command sound, such as a recorded voice, buzzer, or the like, actuated under controlled circumstances and operative to order the animal to halt or obey, may be included.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for transmitting a binary ON-OFF or an analog signal through a rotary connection between two parts of a mechanical system. It is applicable to rotary connections in general but particularly as a warning system for work platforms which employ swivelable casters having operator actuated locks to prevent movement of the platform during work operations. The swivelable caster includes a lock or brake and means for engaging and disengaging the lock. The caster includes a hollow shaft which allows pivoting of the caster The shaft is journaled in the platform base and includes an axially extending actuator operated by the lock or brake actuator to operate an electrical switch carried by a work platform and mounted near the caster shaft for operation whenever the caster brake is engaged regardless of the swivel orientation. Discrete ball bearings are trapped in the hollow shaft and displaced by a wire cable moving between the trapped balls.

Abstract: The cable (70) of a wear indicator for friction linings (54) of a spot-type disc brake having a floating caliper (12) is received in a trough (72) of the contact pressure web (62) of a hold-down spring (60) for the lining so as to protect the cable from damage. The trough is covered by a sheet metal member (74).

Abstract: An improved arrangement for measuring and controlling the wear of the first member which is subject to wear during frictional contact with the second member. The unique arrangement employs a simple process which allows a direct measurement of wear with a minimum expenditure. The invention involves a method of measuring the temperature which is generated in the first member or in the second member or in an adjacent member, which is representative of the above-mentioned wear which occurs during frictional contact, and an evaluation circuit for converting the temperature values into wear signals.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a reserve fluid supply chamber near one end and a cylindrical housing portion adjoining the reserve supply chamber containing a spring for biasing a piston to pressurize liquid in the reserve supply chamber. The piston moves a shaft axially carrying an indicating disc, the periphery of which can be viewed through viewing openings in the cylindrical housing when the supply chamber liquid is exhausted. Snap action of the indicating disc is accomplished by a detent ring in a groove about the periphery of the disc and a complimentary groove about the inner periphery of a transparent sleeve that also seals the viewing opening against dust and the like.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring is arranged with a view to putting a piece of electrical equipment into operation as soon as it reaches a given geometrical condition corresponding to a determined relative position of its piston rod, the device being equipped for this purpose with elastic strips which are arranged so as to be in contact at one time with the conducting wall of its tube, and to be separated from the latter at another time. The elastic contact strips are controlled by an insulating cam which is movable relative to them, and which is designed either to apply them against the wall of the tube if they are separated from it when at rest, or the reverse, that is to say to separate them from the wall of the tube if they are in contact with it when at rest. Such a spring can be used for automobiles.

Abstract: A hydraulic master-slave system for clutch actuation includes a clutch sensor system to continuously detect and measure clutch position and wear. One alternate preferred embodiment comprises a resistive strip and wiper assembly coupled to an electrical control circuit to control vehicle functions dependent upon clutch position and wear. A second alternate preferred embodiment employs an optical fence and optical interrupter designed to generate quadrature output to the electrical control circuit.

Abstract: An indicator for monitoring both the temperature and the degree of wear of a brake. Specifically this invention may be used with multi-disk brakes, especially aircraft brakes. Upon brake actuation, a pressure plate compresses stationary and rotating members to provide braking. A probe member moves with and in contact with the pressure plate. The degree of wear of the brake stack is determined by the relative distance traveled by the probe. The probe member may be marked with indicia for indicating the wear or remaining brake life. The probe member also has a thermocouple embedded within it, thereby providing temperature indication of the brake stack. Signals from the thermocouple may be transmitted for indication and/or processing. Furthermore, this invention provides for modification of existing wear pins by the attachment of a thermocouple assembly.

Abstract: A brake system wherein the piston (2) of a master cylinder (1) is actuated by the pressure controlled by a brake valve (6), a monitoring device is provided for detection of fail conditions. The monitoring device comprises a switch (18) which is closed by a trip cam (17) upon an actuating distance (s.sub.1) having been traveled by the actuating element (4), and further switches (20, 21), the switch (20) being closed after an actuating travel distance (s.sub.21) and the switch (21) being closed after an actuating travel distance (s.sub.22), each by a trip cam (19) at the master cylinder piston (2). If the master cylinder piston (2) has not yet traveled the actuating distance (s.sub.21) or has already traveled furher than the distance (s.sub.22) when the switch (18) closes, an evaluating circuit (22) which evaluates the positions of the switches (18, 20, 21) will switch on a signal lamp (23) to indicate a fail condition in the brake system.

Abstract: A spinning reel is provided with a line tension display unit including a display which may be either of analog or digital form. The reel includes a spool shaft for mounting of the spool, the reel body being provided with the line tension/display unit which includes a member swingable about the spool shaft and operatively connected to the spool shaft for swinging movement in response to tension in the line. A torsion spring resists such swinging movement. The swingable member causes the display to indicate the tension value. In analog form, the swingable member provides a pointer for showing line tension on a scale. In digital form, the display includes LED's or LCD's for display of discrete tension values. In one digital version, a microprocessor is used to drive the line tension display and to provide also time-of-day, stopwatch, alarm and line-breakage-warning functions.

Abstract: A brake condition indicator attachable to a conventional brake shoe comprising a thermocouple carried at one end by a tubular member crimped around the thermocouple and at its extremity, a hollow dimensioned rivet securing the crimped extremity of the tubing to a brake shoe without damage to the shoe itself, said thermocouple connected at the other end to a grounded temperature gauge whereby the heat generated within the brake shoe may be visually displayed to the driver of the vehicle to provide a warning in the event of overheating the brake shoe.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprising a pair of outputs for connection to an electrical detection circuit or the like and a link element connected between the outputs and positioned to be worn and broken at a given wear point, and resistor means connected between the outputs to be electrically in parallel with the link element and positioned not to be worn; the resistance of the link element being less than the resistance of the resistor means such that the resistance of the sensor as detected between the outputs will have an initial value, indicating electrical continuity with the sensor, until the sensor is worn to said given wear point and the link broken, and a further, higher value once the link has been broken.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.