Abstract: To warn the driver of an automotive vehicle in the event of failure of a component of the actuating apparatus in a brake pressure control device with two control valves which are acted upon by an actuating varied by an actuating variable which is common for both control valves, a separate actuating apparatus is provided for each control valve. The differential pressure between the pressure fluid outlets is permanently monitored.

Abstract: A controller for rear brakes of a vehicle adapted to control a braking member in accordance with an operation of a servo circuit through which pressurized air or pressurized liquid flows, includes: a fluid retarder provided to a rotary shaft which is rotated together with the rear wheels of the vehicle; an air source for applying pressure to a working liquid in the retarder to control the braking torque thereof; a liquid pressure generator communicated with the air source for converting a pressure of the air into that of the liquid; and proportioning valve member provided between the liquid pressure generator and the brakes for imparting a predetermined restriction to the pressurized liquid that flows between the liquid pressure generator and the brakes.

Abstract: The instantaneous load sensor of a motor vehicle is incorporated in a suspension assembly of the vehicle, and comprises a suspension element (1) fastened via an elastic mechanism (3) to a rod (5) carried by a yoke (7). The rod (5) is a blind hollow tube, in which a slot (12) has been made substantially in the axis of the suspension element (1) and opposite the latter, so as to allow the elastic mechanism (3) to penetrate into the tube (5), a sensor (10) of the pressure prevailing in the tube hermetically closing the open end of the tube.

Abstract: An empty/load changeover valve for a railway freight car having a proportioning valve via which the car control valve supplies and releases brake cylinder pressure. The proportioning valve comprises a balance piston having equal opposing pressure areas and a check valve integral therewith, one pressure area of the balance piston being subject to air supplied to the brake cylinder under all conditions of car loading. The opposing pressure area is of the balance piston either pressurized or depressurized depending upon the car load condition to accordingly establish a proportional mode of brake control only under empty conditions of vehicle loading. A release control valve is provided to assure release of the brake cylinder pressure in bypass of the proportioning valve check valve, and a lock-out feature prevents car rock and roll from affecting operation of the proportioning valve under empty conditions of car loading.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device of a load sensing type is provided. The hydraulic pressure control device includes a spring support disposed on a vehicle body side or wheel side for supporting a suspension spring, a support member tiltably disposed in the spring support for supporting a load of the suspension spring at three support portions, and a hydraulic pressure control valve mounted on the support member for controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to a braking unit mounted on a wheel from a source for generating hydraulic braking pressure. Thus, at least a portion of the force applied to one of the support portions can be applied to a control piston of the hydraulic pressure control valve.

Abstract: In load-dependent brake valves it is customary to control the brake force as a function of the stroke of vehicular suspension springs. If the stroke of the vehicular suspension springs is not proportional to the vehicle load, there is the risk that either the empty vehicle or the full vehicle is too strongly braked. This can be avoided in that a pivotable brake lever is pivotable as a function of the stroke of the vehicular suspension springs, the pivotable brake lever comprising a first pivoting range in which a first edge of a piston of the load-dependent brake valve is supported and a second pivoting range in which a second edge of the aforesaid piston is supported. It is thereby achieved that the brake force is always proportional to the vehicle load.

Abstract: The brake regulator controlled by the load of a vehicle uses a fluidic mechanism which acts on a first piston (7) capable of translatory movement in a bore formed in the body (1) of the regulator, the first piston (7) being provided with a push rod (33) capable of cooperating with one end of a second piston (21) forming part of a valve which is open in the rest position. Mechanisms (31,37) are provided for maintaining, at rest, a given distance between the end of the second piston (21) and the push rod (33), the given distance being such that the end of the second piston (21) and the push rod (33) do not come into contact until just before the closure of the valve. Preferably, the push rod (33) is, at rest, in axial abutment against a stationary part (31) of the body (1), the second piston (21) being returned to rest by a spring (41).

Abstract: A dual capacity empty/load changeover valve for a railway freight car in which a piston-operated check valve controls the supply of compressed air delivered from the auxilary reservoir to the brake cylinder via the car control valve. The check valve is connected to a balance piston having equal opposing pressure areas, one of which is subject to the air supplied to the brake cylinder under all conditions of car loading. The opposing pressure area of the balance piston is pressurized in a load condition and depressurized in an empty condition, thereby establishing a proportional mode of brake control during empty car braking. A proportioning spring acts on the balance piston to establish the brake cylinder pressure at which the check valve becomes operative to proportion the air supplied to the brake cylinder.

Abstract: In an anti-lock brake system (ABS) for a motorcycle the driving stabilty is improved by measuring the position of lateral inclination of the motorcycle and adjusting at least one threshold value for the anti-skid control in response to the measurement. In another embodiment the transverse acceleration of the motor cycle is measured and an ABS threshold value adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A braking corrector governed by the height of a vehicle, comprises a body (10), in which is slideably mounted at least one piston controlled by an actuating rod (12) and arranged so as to interact with at least one valve element, in order to control at least one brake-fluid passage between at least one inlet (14,16) and at least one outlet (18,20) of the corrector. The corrector possesses a sensor detecting the height of the vehicle and formed from a lever (32), the pivot (34) of which is stationary relative to the body (10) of the corrector and one end (36) of which is connected to an unsuspended part of the vehicle, the distance between this end (36) and the pivot (34) defining a first lever arm, and the lever (32), which actuates the actuating rod (12) at a distance from the pivot (34), defining a second lever arm. The corrector possesses a mechanism (40,46,48,54) for varying the ratio between the lengths of the first and second lever arms.

Abstract: A braking system for an aircraft towing vehicle which supports the nose wheel of an aircraft in a raised position and firmly clamps it to the vehicle. The braking force generated by the front wheels of the towing vehicle is greater by about 2:1 to 8:1 than the braking force at the rear wheels. The braking system has two hydraulic circuits employing identical braking cylinders at all four wheels of the vehicle. The number of cylinders per wheel are varied and different effective lever arms are used to generate like braking forces at each side of the vehicle, and the relatively greater braking force at the front wheels, even if one of the hydraulic circuits fails. The system limits the braking force at the front and rear wheels to maximum values to prevent excessive forces from damaging the nose gear of relatively smaller aircraft.

Abstract: A servo-brake-auto-modulator of the kind for use in a trailer provided with a pneumatic braking system is modified so as to enable also the achievement of the functions of an anti-overload valve. To that end a discharge passage (26) which communicates with the atmosphere is formed in an inlet chamber (22) of the body (51) of the servo-brake-auto-modulator (20) in such a position that a control member (47) in one of its working positions, causes a control chamber (33) to be connected to said discharge passage (26), preventing overloading of the parking-brake members (6).

Abstract: A pressure control unit, in particular for pressure-fluid-actuatable dual-circuit brake systems of automotive vehicles, comprises a housing, a regulating device connected between an inlet and an outlet of a first brake circuit and actuated by an element applicable by a control force. A by-pass for bypassing the regulating device which is controlled by a locking piston acted upon by a second brake circuit. In order to accomplish a small overall length, low-priced manufacture and great functional reliability, the locking piston does not act directly on the regulating device.

Abstract: Assembly consisting of a suspension element (20) and of a brake corrector (10) intended to be subject to the load of a vehicle, the corrector (10) comprising a body in which slides a piston (12) forming a shutter element capable of opening or closing a hydraulic passage between an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) of the corrector, the piston (12) being connected by a connection mechanism to a spring mechanism (23) of the suspension element (20), characterized in that the connection mechanism comprises a lever (24) mounted on the suspension element (20) between two pivoting elements (28; 32) which are subjected to the force exerted by the suspension element (20) and which are arranged so as to transmit some of the force to the lever (24).

Abstract: A brake corrector (10) subject to the load of a vehicle is equipped with a fluidic pressure sensor (42; 142), the corrector (10) comprising a body (11) having a bore (12) in which is mounted slidably a piston (20) designed to interact with a valve element (26) in order to control a fluid passage between an inlet (38) and an outlet (32) of the corrector (10). The sensor (42; 142) comprises a piston (56; 156) mounted slidably in a cylinder (50, 150) and moved in the cylinder (50, 150) by way of a suspension spring (48; 148) of the vehicle in which the assembly is mounted, the variation of force exerted on the piston (56; 156) causing a variation in pressure of the fluid contained in the cylinder (50, 150). The corrector (10) and sensor (42; 142) are connected fluidically so that the pressure variation acts on the piston (20) of the corrector. The sensor (42; 142) is shaped so as to interact with one end (60) of the suspension spring (48; 148) and has a shape substantially matching that of the one end (60).

Abstract: The control device has a key valve (7) with a differential piston (13) and a scanning arm (18) that can be moved by it. The differential piston (13) is charged on its smaller surface (12) by a first brake pressure emitted by the brake control valve (2), and on its larger surface (14) by a reduced second brake pressure derived from the first brake pressure by means of a reduction valve (23, 26), which can be opened by the differential piston (13) only by a motion of a scanning arm (18), corresponding to a vehicle when unloaded, by means of a stop (24). The second brake pressure charges a switching piston whcih shifts the closing point of the reduction valve (23, 26) in the direction of motion of the differential piston (13) for lifting the scanning arm, and switches a shuttle valve (10, 35, 38) which charges a brake cylinder (44) either with the first or the second brake pressure. The volume of the spaces conducting the second brake pressure is increased by an air container (42).

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: In a load-sensing proportion valve including a control valve disposed in a hydraulic fluid passage extending from a master brake cylinder to rear-wheel brake cylinders, a plunger adapted to operate the conbtrol valve in response to the output fluid pressure from the master brake cylinder, and a stem formed integrally with a load-sensing lever and adapted to urge the plunger to open the control valve in accordance with a current load of a vehicle, a resilient member is interposed in a working position between the plunger and the stem so as to prevent the occurrence of noises from possible contacts between these plunger and stem, when set together.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a truck mounted brake system for double axle wheel trucks with pneumatic means operable through multiple levers to move the brake beams relative to each other. The lever system includes a double acting slack adjuster responsive to load changes to vary the braking force. Different load weights on the bolster causes it to assume different vertical positions relative to the side frames and the slack adjuster to vary in length so that uniform pressure to the pneumatic means produces higher brake pressure to the wheels of fully loaded cars and lower brake pressures to partially loaded and unloaded cars.

Abstract: Each rear wheel has a respective associated hydraulic brake actuator. A brake corrector device of the variable operating pressure type is connected in the operating circuit for the brake actuator associated with the rear wheels and includes, in known manner, a movable control member for regulating the operating pressure of the corrector in dependence on the force acting thereon. A control device is coupled to the brake corrector and applies to the control member of this corrector a force which is variable in a predetermined manner in dependence on the air pressure in the air springs of the rear suspensions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle braking control system is provided for sensing (76) the magnitude of the vehicle operator's demand for braking effort and for distributing the braking effort between the individually controllable vehicle (22) brake sites to achieve balanced braking (12) if relatively low braking effort demand (0% to A%) is sensed and to achieve proportional braking (14) if relatively high braking effort demand (B% to 100%) is sensed.

Abstract: A braking system having a pressure modulator which, during normal braking operation, delivers a fluid pressure which is a predetermined multiple of a fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder to a wheel cylinder. The pressure modulator has a solenoid actuator which is energized during braking force proportioning and anti-skid operations to reduce the delivery pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure modulator further includes another solenoid actuator for increasing the delivery pressure during braking force proportioning operation and for delivering fluid pressure during traction control operation.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle road wheel comprises a wheel suspension device (1) having a double-acting hydraulic actuator and a gas spring in parallel, the gas spring being controllable to provide a selectively variable offset, a sensor (6,90) arranged to sense load changes experienced by the suspension device and to provide an output dependent thereon, and control assembly (95) responsive to the sensor output to effect adjustment of the hydraulic actuator pending change of the offset of the gas spring to accommodate the load changes. Also disclosed is a damping system for damping movement of a piston (64) within a cylinder, the damping system comprising a valve (80) operable to connect spaces (70,74) within the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston to fluid pressure and/or return lines (84,85) so as to apply selected positive or negative damping to the movement of the piston.

Abstract: A brake pressure control system for a wheeled vehicle includes a swingable lever pivotally mounted at a first end portion thereof to a sprung mass of the vehicle such as a body frame, a first tension coil spring connected at a first end thereof to the sprung mass and at a second end thereof to a second end portion of the swingable lever to bias the lever toward the sprung mass, a second tension coil spring connected at a first end thereof to an unsprung mass of the vehicle such as a wheel axle and at a second end thereof to the second end portion of the swingable lever to bias the lever against the biasing force of the first spring, a bushing rotatably mounted on the second end portion of the swingable lever, the bushing being formed with a first support portion for retaining the second end of the first spring and a second support portion for retaining the second end of the second spring, and a modulator valve secured to the sprung mass and incorporated in a hydraulic connection between a master cylinder and

Abstract: A pressure control unit comprises a housing and a regulating device connected between an inlet and an outlet thereof and actuated by a control force. To accomplish low-priced manufacture, great reliability of function and valve-tightness, it is arranged so that the control piston is of bipartite design and includes an integrated valve seat.

Abstract: Variable-ratio braking corrector for a vehicle, comprising a housing provided with at least two parallel bores (14, 16), at least two pistons (24, 26) one mounted slideably in each bore, the two pistons projecting from the housing and cooperating with the two ends of a rocker (28) mounted in an articulated manner relative to the housing (12), the hinge pin (48) of the rocker (28) being displaceable by means of a mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension, to vary the ratio of the corrector as a function of the vehicle load, characterized in that the corrector also comprises a reversible escape device (50) in the mechanism, comprising at least two elements (52, 58) coupled pivotably to one another, one (58) being coupled to the hinge pin (48) and the other (52) being stressed toward a rest position by a spring mechanism (60).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut 1 comprising a telescopic hydraulic damper 2 and coaxial main suspension spring 3 is fitted with a brake pressure control valve 23. The control member 22 of the valve is acted on by a lever 20 pivotally mounted on a bracket 18 fast with the damper body. The lever 20 supports the end of a tubular support 7 which is movable axially of the damper body and which carries the support plate 9 for the main suspension spring. A compensating spring 12 acts between a ring 13 supported on bracket 18 and an adjustable collar 14 mounted on the tubular element. The compensating spring 12 reacts part of the main suspension spring load onto the damper body, and the remaining suspension spring load is transferred to the body via the lever 20 which distributes the force equally between the bracket 18 and the control member 22.

Abstract: The servo automodulator is intended for connection to the brake system of the tractor vehicle through a power pipeline, called the automatic pipeline, and a control pipeline called the variable pipeline. This device comprises a body with first and second inlet connectors for connection to the variable pipeline and to the automatic pipeline respectively, an inlet/outlet connector and an outlet connector for connection to a pressure reservoir and to the brake members of the trailer. A non-return valve allows air to flow from the second inlet connector to the inlet/outlet connector to supply compressed air to the reservoir. The body houses a valve system for putting the inlet/outlet connector in communication with the outlet connector when the first inlet connector is supplied with a brake-actuation pressure, and a brake-pressure modulator device which controls the opening of the valve assembly, and hence the brake pressure, in dependence on the load bearing on the trailer.

Abstract: An electronically controlled braking system for a vehicle in which vehicle load measurements, made dynamically, as used to modify the braking demand, individually for each axle of the vehicle and in which, under predetermined conditions of vehicle speed, braking level and operating gradient, the deceleration error formed between braking demand by the driver and measured actual vehicle deceleration is used gradually, over a number of vehicle stops, to form an adaptive factor for correcting the braking demand in order to restore expected braking performance. No correction to the adaptive factor based on the deceleration error is made during a given stopping operation of the vehicle, but a summation of previous errors is arranged to cause a small increment in correction to be made after each stop until, over a number of vehicle stops, the error formed under the predetermined conditions falls to zero.

Abstract: A load conscious brake pressure reducing valve assembly comprises a piston (2A) mounted on a piston rod (2) and movable to control a valve (6) for controlling the connection between an inlet (4) and outlet (3). The valve body (1) is mounted on a sprung part (7) of a vehicle and the piston rod (2) is coupled to an unsprung part (9) by a position sensing lever (10) and springs (32,20) nominal separation of the sprung and unsprung parts the sensing device (8) exerts no force on the piston rod. For greater spacings of the sprung and unsprung parts the spring (20) exert a force on the piston rod which opposes the force of an internal spring (5), and for lesser spacings the spring (32) exert a force on the piston rod which enhances the force of the internal spring. As a result the net spring force acting on the piston always decreases as the separation of the sprung and unsprung parts increases.

Abstract: A brake pressure regulator for hydraulic brake systems of vehicles, which controls the required braking pressure on the rear axle as a function of the distribution of the axial load, in such a manner that no overbraking of the rear axle takes place. The regulator comprises an actuating piston for receiving an input brake pressure and in response generating a first force; a spring beam and a support for engaging the spring beam, the spring beam being adjustable in response to the vehicle load distribution for receiving the first force and in response generating a second force related to such vehicle load distribution according to a predetermined function corresponding to a degressive curve, the spring beam and the support being shaped to determine the predetermined function; and a control piston for receiving the second force and in response generating an output brake pressure.

Abstract: A brake pressure control valve (1) for use on a vehicle having a modulated self-levelling air suspension system comprises a valve body (2) sealingly secured to the wall (4) of a pressure chamber of the suspension system to close an aperture (7) in the wall. A brake pressure apportioning valve set (11) is located within the valve body and has a control member (15) the upward force (A) on which determines the cut-in pressure. Fluid pressure within the pressure chamber (5) is communicated to a control chamber (18) via a small orifice (21) in a steel cup (20) which closes the bottom of the valve body. Pressure within control chamber (18) is applied to a diaphragm (20) which permits pressure transfer to a pressure plate (16) abutting the control member (15) but prevents loss of fluid from the control chamber (18).

Abstract: A gravity powered part transfer system in which parts are suspended on a rotating member from a declining track or rail. The rotating member is associated with a viscous fluid in a manner which permits the active fluid to be altered in thickness in response to increase or decrease of weight. The greater the weight, the less the thickness of the fluid acting on the rotating member and the greater the retardation torque.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles with at least one load sensor (41) sensing the load condition of the vehicle and with at least one sensor (14, 15, 21, 22) associated wtih each vehicle axle for the detection of a braking parameter decisive for the braking operation. The measured values sensed are supplied to an electric evaluation circuit (18) which during a braking operation permanently computes suitable braking pressure values for the wheel brakes (3, 4) of the rear axle and delivers corresponding control signals to a braking pressure modulator (31, 53, 54). A braking force sensor (14, 15, 21, 22) is associated with at least one vehicle wheel (12, 13, 19, 20) of each vehicle axle.

Abstract: An electronic brake control system, according to the present invention, has a controller. The controller employs a memory which stores a table or map representing split point values relative to vertical displacement between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass of the vehicle. The split point data stored in the memory are determined in accordance with the unique spring characteristics of the specific vehicle to which the brake control system is applied. The controller derives a reference pressure corresponding to the split point and compares the reference pressure with an actual hydraulic braking pressure. When the actual braking pressure is lower than the reference pressure, the controller holds a proportioning valve device inactive so as to distribute hydraulic braking pressure built up in a master cylinder among individual wheel cylinders so that the braking pressure in the wheel cylinders increases at a rate matching the rate of increase of the fluid pressure in the master cylinder.

Abstract: An empty and load valve for a railroad car brake system is mounted on the bolster of a truck and has a sensing arm engageable with a side frame of the truck. An empty and load device is mounted on each intermediate truck of an articulated car. The device has a valve body with a manifold and an equalizing reservoir attached thereto. A first air passage extends through the valve body and a second air passage extends in the valve body from the first air passage to the equalizing reservoir. A piston assembly is reciprocable in the first air passage to open and close the passage and thereby proportion the available air supply. A plunger is movable in the valve body in response to the sensing arm to disable the piston assembly when a loaded condition is sensed. The plunger also allows a valve in the second air passage to close when a loaded condition is sensed so that all of the available air supply is supplied to the brake actuator.

Abstract: A braking pressure control unit is actuatable in a load-responsive manner by way of an actuating device (10), a spring device (6), and a transmission lever (3) supported at the housing (1) of the braking pressure control unit. The actuating device (10) comprises a first actuating element (11) fastened at a part of the vehicle which is movable in a load-responsive manner relative to the housing (1), of a second actuating element (9), and of a spring (18) arranged between the two elements. Assembly at the vehicle is effected with the spring device (6) being blocked. By the use of the spring (18) supporting itself at the vehicle by way of the first actuating element (11), the transmission lever (3), by way of the second actuating element (9), is pressed into the position which it adopts when the control valves of the braking pressure control unit are in a defined open position.

Abstract: In the process, a spring device is pivotally connected to a transmission lever which is movable between two defined positions. The free end of the spring device is subjected to a defined load and is fixed stationary while the transmission lever is in the defined position corresponding to the closing position of the valve. Thereupon, the length of the prestressed spring device is fixed, which results after swiveling of the transmission lever into the other defined position. The effect of the spring tolerances on the precision of adjustment of the change-over point is excluded. The brake pressure control unit apparatus is provided with first and second stop elements fastened to the spring device with a removable spacing element inserted between the stop elements. The distance between the stop elements corresponds to a determined amount of spring preload fixed by the spacing element.

Abstract: A load responsive valve for the braking of vehicles having load supporting air springs. The air spring pressure is employed to regulate the brake pressure through conventional proportioning-type valving. A pilot valve senses the application and release of the vehicle brakes in order to nullify operation of the air spring operated control piston so long as the brake is released, in order to reduce component wear and air consumption due to valve oscillation resulting from air spring pressure variation as the car jounces in service. This is accomplished by pilot pressure supplied via the pilot valve to counteract the air spring pressure acting on the control piston. During a brake application, the pilot valve exhausts this pilot pressure to permit the air spring pressure to operate the control valve in a normal manner.

Abstract: An improved braking system, particularly for a vehicle such as a truck, subject to relatively large differences in loading, including a force responsive proportioning valve inserted between a master brake cylinder and the rear brakes for increasing the rear braking effort relative to the front as the load on the vehicle increases. A spring position follower device is operably connected to the force input of the proportioning valve to respond to angular movements of the pivotally mounted end portion of the rear leaf spring whereby an increased input force is transmitted to the proportioning valve as the spring flexes due to vehicle load increases.

Abstract: The speed of a pallet as it descends down a pair of inclined rails in a flow rack is controlled by a series of speed-control wheels mounted on axles fastened to frame members located underneath the pallet. A tapered roller bearing is interposed between each axle and wheel to mount the wheel for combined rotary motion and axial motion. Brake pads are mounted on the frame member for engaging a braking surface on the wheel as it moves axially in response to the pallet load. The brake pads apply friction to the wheel for slowing the speed of the pallet. A bar is provided adjacent the lower end of each rail for engaging the speed control wheels on the pallets to increase the axial pressure thereon and to increase friction for arresting the pallets and separating the same.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle comprises a booster unit including a piston disposed for sliding movement in a cylinder, a pressure chamber defined between the cylinder and the piston, and a valve member arranged for interlocking movement with the brake pedal and disposed slidably in the piston for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from a fluid pressure source into the pressure chamber. A pressure control valve is disposed between the fluid pressure source and the booster unit for controlling the maximum internal pressure of the pressure chamber of the booster unit depending on the weight of the vehicle sensed by a sensor, and a master cylinder is connected to the piston of the booster unit to supply braking hydraulic fluid at controlled pressure to the front and rear brakes.

Abstract: The braking corrector according to the invention consists of two corrector valve seats (332, 332') and two inertia weights (328, 328') mounted in parallel in the same casing (312), and two magnets (336, 336') mounted on the same iron plate (340), the magnetic poles of the magnets being reversed so that the magnetic field (M) set up by the magnets (336, 336') is looped through the plate (340) on the one hand, and through the inertia weights (328, 328') on the other.

Abstract: The force applied to brake a towed vehicle (18) is varied in response to the load of the vehicle (18). A signal generating device (38) generates a first signal when the load weighs more than a selected value and a second signal when the load weighs less than such value. Pressure reducing circuitry (46) reduces the pressure supplied in opposition to the biasing of the towed vehicle brake valve (34) when the second signal is generated and does not reduce such pressure when the first signal is generated. A manual override (52) serves for manually overriding the pressure reducer (44) when the signal generating device (38) generates the second signal. This supplies substantially unreduced pressure in opposition to the biasing of the towed vehicle brake valve (34). In this manner, towed vehicles (18) are prevented from being overbraked when empty. The operator may override the system as necessary, e.g., when both vehicles are empty.

Abstract: An empty-load railway vehicle braking system wherein the piston-and-cylinder of the empty-load valve operates against the rack of a rack-and-pinion arrangement of which the pinion is drivingly connected to an arresting member the position of which is determined by the loading of the vehicle.

Abstract: Electro-hydraulic brake control apparatus is provided for respective vehicles of a train in an electric train line brake control system having load sense circuits for generating analog signals when enabled by an emergency braking designation for limiting the extent of emergency brake applications for respective vehicles of the train in accordance with the load of the vehicle. Generating of the analog signals, when enabled, is continuously variable in accordance with the load of the vehicles; but is at other times normally inactive.

Abstract: In an air pressure proportioning variable load valve for a vehicle compressed air braking system the operating mechanism for a self-lapping valve assembly includes a fluid pressure responsive piston arrangement which is operable above a given fluid pressure (PI) to adjust the position of the self-lapping valve arrangement relative to a variable area pressure responsive assembly whereby the rising output pressure corresponds initially to rising input port pressure up to the given pressure (P1) followed by progressive adjustment before proportioning by virtue of relative areas of the variable area assembly.

Abstract: A lightweight, brake lever-retaining bracket which includes two arms, each of which is equipped with a stiffener to provide extended bearing surfaces for brake lever mounting pins, and a safety platform to prevent loss of brake levers in the event of brake lever retaining pin failure. A safety bolt adjustably connects both arms to minimize lateral movement of the brake lever and to maintain the brake lever in operative position in the event of retaining pin failure.

Abstract: In a hydraulic brake pressure control system of the load responsive type for wheeled vehicles, a load sensing member in the form of a leaf spring or a torque bar is engaged with a spring loaded valve piston of a hydraulic brake pressure control valve to exert a biasing force against the valve piston depending upon the wheel load. The load sensing member is formed at its intermediate portion with a plurality of curved portions bent back in a plane perpendicular to the bending action plane of the sensing member. Each intermediate portion defined by the curved portions acts as a torsional element.

Abstract: A fluid system for the rail brake cylinder of a highway/rail vehicle including a control valve responsive to brake pipe pressure drops to provide a control signal to a variable load relay valve assembly which provides brake cylinder pressures. The relay valve assembly maintains the rail brakes deactivated in the highway mode, provides braking pressure independent of the variable load portion for low pressure in the control valve's auxiliary reservoir, maintains a rail reservoir and rail suspension supply changed from the highway and rail supply lines, and creates an emergency condition in the brake pipe for low rail supply line and or rail reservoir pressure.