Abstract: A slack adjuster for use with a braking system which has an increased let-out length that enables the use of brake shoes having an increased thickness. The slack adjuster includes a dual spring and canister assembly, an external yoke trigger, or a combination of both the dual spring and canister assembly and the external yoke trigger. A method of retrofitting a truck-mounted brake system is provided, in which the slack adjuster is positioned within the brake system in order to increase the let-out length while maintaining a predetermined spatial envelope within the brake system. The slack adjuster has an increased let-out length enabling the use of thicker brake shoes without requiring modification of the interacting components of the truck mounted brake system since the overall size of the slack adjuster remains the same.

Abstract: Braking systems for railway cars are provided. A braking system defines a longitudinal axis, and includes a first brake assembly, a second brake assembly, and an actuator operable to generate a linear force, the actuator disposed proximate the second brake assembly. The braking system further includes a movable rod and a fixed rod extending between the first brake assembly and the second brake assembly. In some embodiments, the braking system further includes a dead lever and a slack adjuster disposed proximate the first brake assembly, the slack adjuster connected to the first brake assembly and the dead lever and operable to adjust a distance along the longitudinal axis between a reference point of the first brake assembly and a pivot point of the dead lever.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system comprises a flexible elastomeric member directly and sealably attached to a mounting member employed for attaching the brake actuator assembly to the rigid structure of a braking system and to a push rod member connected to the control linkage. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the brake actuator assembly of the invention.

Abstract: A friction dampener can include a housing having one end slidably surrounding one end of a shaft movable relative thereto. Opposing ends of the housing and shaft can each having a connecting eye member for connection to separate independently movable elements. One or more friction elements can be carried by the shaft which frictionally engage inner surfaces of the housing. The friction elements can have inner and outer portions having different material properties. The housing can be adapted to generally maintain the pressure between the friction elements and the housing within a range of desirable pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC power pack integrated with a micro-controller embedded controller for setting various voltages to accommodate different trains run on a track system. Micro-controller embedded controller (MECC) contains memory for pre-stored information and variable or changing information relating to the operation of the train system and related voltage and waveform requirements. Storage of variable or changing information can be in non-volatile memory or volatile memory with battery back-up. Throttle setting, braking and acceleration are controlled with the MECC connected to a user interface for selecting a number of possible values to increase the realism of the railroad operation. The railroader is capable of setting acceleration and deceleration times. Alternate embodiments provide for uploading/downloading data and information from the present invention to update the variable information pertaining to the operation of various manufactures trains and their operation set points.