Abstract: A fully protective multi-unit railroad freight car for carrying motor vehicles on two or three levels with the lowest level being in a cargo well between a pair of deep side sills. A pair of vehicle-carrying decks are adjustable in height and are counterbalanced against each other during adjustment of their locations. A roof structure is light in weight and constructed of corrugated sheet metal with a self-supporting central portion. The ends of the car are equipped with three-panel folding doors, and a flexible diaphragm closes the space between articulated adjacent car units supported by a shared truck. A modular brake operating system is mounted on the car body. An easily removable brake system module incorporates a compressed air reservoir, a dummy reservoir, a brake control valve, train line and brake cylinder connector lines, and a support structure. The module is easily removable and replaceable, allowing for repair and system testing at a shop.

Abstract: A power-actuated parking brake is provided that produces sufficient force to set a parking brake for a locomotive. A powered drive train rotates a sheave over which a brake chain is positioned. Rotation of the sheave draws up the brake chain that is connected at one end to the parking brake. The parking brake is set when sufficient tension is applied to the brake chain by the powered drive. The drive train includes a drive shaft driven by an electric motor and connected to the sheave through a planetary reduction drive and a clutch.

Abstract: An electronic controller for actuating electric wheel brakes on a towed vehicle which includes a device for sensing the electric current flowing to the towed vehicle wheel brakes. The device is operative to interrupt the flow of electric current if the current flow becomes excessive. The controller also retains gain settings if the supply of power to the controller is interrupted and has a visual display for indicating results of self-diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A braking apparatus engages the brakes of a towed vehicle and is actuated by the engaging the brake of the towing vehicle. A pivotally mounted foot pedal engaging member attaches to the floor of the towed vehicle and depresses the brake pedal of the towed vehicle when actuated. A pneumatic cylinder forces the engaging member to depress the brake pedal when air is supplied to the cylinder. Air is supplied from air brakes in the towing vehicle or from another pressurized air source. Air to the pneumatic cylinder matches the force of the towing vehicle if equipped with air brakes, or is controlled by a flow regulator and pressure regulator.

Abstract: A controller of the invention is used for tractor trailer braking devices having a service brake, an exhaust brake and a retarder brake for a tractor, and a retarder brake for a trailer. The controller includes a main operating switch situated at a driver seat for controlling the exhaust brake and the tractor and trailer retarder brakes, a first interlocking switch for interlocking between the service brake and the tractor and trailer retarder brakes, a second interlocking switch for locking the tractor retarder brake, a first device to detect a condition of an accelerator pedal, a second device to detect a condition of a clutch, a third device to detect a condition of a brake pedal, and a fourth device to detect a condition of a trailer brake. The controller can effectively utilize the exhaust brake, and the tractor and trailer retarder brakes according to the driver's intention.

Abstract: In railroad applications, an improved method and apparatus for optimizing on-board rail lubrication for both curved and tangent track. The lubricants are applied by an apparatus directly to the rails behind the last axle of the last locomotive of a locomotive consist. The system uses lubricant delivery nozzles which are integrated with the sand pipe and nozzle for each rail. The lubricant nozzles are aimed toward the wheel rail contact at a distance of several inches behind the contact for accurate application of one lubricant on the top of the rail (TOR) and another on the rail gage side (RAGS). The lubricant quantities sprayed on the rail are controlled by a miroprocessor with the use of a flow injection pulse, system or flow control valves. Furthermore, the microprocessor triggers sand application when emergency brakes are applied. A new method of determination of trailing tons in the train is used by averaging the total power used by the locomotives at a certain speed.

Abstract: A trailer brake system including a releasably latching hand lever, a series of cables interconnecting the lever and mechanically energized brakes capable of locking an opposing road wheel pair. The trailer brake system attaches to an existing travel or boat trailer and is employed to enable a user to secure a trailer when parked thereby preventing inadvertent movement between uses.

Abstract: In a method and a device for eliminating an inclination of a wheel-block bogie of a rail vehicle having a plurality of individual wheels, the determined wheel speeds of the wheel-block bogie may be added in a crosswise manner. Sum speeds formed in this manner are combined to form an actual sum-difference speed which represents the actual inclination of the bogie, and this actual inclination is brought to a predeterminable desired inclination. In this way, an inclination of the wheel-block bogie is recognized and corrected without additional sensors, regardless of how it has been caused. As a result, optimum travel behavior is obtained in straight ahead travel and also on curves.

Abstract: A large articulated vehicle, such as a tractor semi-trailer truck often has a number of braking locations each having a number of brake sites. To properly balance the work performed at the various brake sites in decelerating the vehicle, it is necessary to determine the relative brake factors of each site. The brake factors characterize the braking performance for a particular delivered braking pressure. A system and method for determining the relative brake factors for such a vehicle is provided. The vehicle is decelerated at a known rate while delivered braking pressure is measured and recorded for each braking location. A system of simultaneous equations is then solved to determine the relative brake factors. Once the brake factors have been determined during a sequence of controlled braking events, subsequent braking may be modified to achieve a work-balanced braking mode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the braking with optimized stability of a vehicle train is disclosed. The vehicle train comprises at least two individual vehicles, one of the individual vehicles supporting the individual vehicle. The process comprises supplying energy to the brakes of the vehicles, thereby actuating the brakes and producing an actual force between the vehicles, and measuring the actual-value horizontal and vertical components (F.sub.hact, F.sub.vact) of the actual force (F.sub.act) acting between the supporting and supported vehicle. A desired-value horizontal force component (F.sub.hdes) of the force is determined by multiplying the actual-value vertical component (F.sub.vact) by the ratio of the actual-value train deceleration (b) to the earth's acceleration (g). The desired-value horizontal force component (F.sub.hdes) is then compared with the actual-value force horizontal component (F.sub.hact). The energy supplied to the brakes is adjusted so that F.sub.

Abstract: A disc member is arranged for mounting to a differential housing portion of a vehicle in tow, wherein the vehicle in tow further includes a bracket arrangement mounted to the differential housing for supporting a solenoid actuated brake caliper receiving the disc member therewithin, whereupon the solenoid caliper is in electrical communication with the brake light switch of a towing vehicle to effect actuation of the caliper upon actuation of the brake structure of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic controller for outputting pulses of current to actuate towed vehicle brakes includes a trigger point inertial sensor for varying the gain thereof. The trigger point inertial sensor includes a switch connected to the controller for switching the gain between two levels. In the preferred embodiment, the inertial sensor and switch comprise a mercury switch supported on a platform which is rotatable to adjust the switching threshold of the inertial sensor, and to adjust for the mounting position of the brake control.

Abstract: Brake wear between braking sites of a vehicle is equalized by measuring work performed at the braking sites, comparing the amount of work performed at each braking site with an average calculated for all braking sites, and increasing braking demand at any braking site performing less than the average amount of work.

Abstract: A trailer braking control system which is adapted to modify trailer braking from a towing vehicle by regulating the coupling head service braking pressure signal generated on the towing vehicle in response to driver's demand pressure and measured values of longitudinal force exerted on the trailer coupling just before and during braking. At least two adaptive variables are developed on the towing vehicle, and on selected qualifying stops of the towing vehicle/trailer combination, one of these adaptive variables is chosen to be corrected at the end of that stop using average trailer thrust error signals for use in regulating trailer braking on subsequent stops.

Abstract: A method for the braking of a vehicle train with pressure-actuated brakes and arrangements for performing this method are disclosed. The prior art shows that, because of a different rapid build-up of a braking pressure in the various rigid vehicles of a vehicle train, there occurs an overrun shock during adjustment transition shifting braking phases. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is furnished a lead and predominance by a predetermined value in the co-braking signal furnished from the one rigid vehicle to the second rigid vehicle of a vehicle train. According to a further embodiment, a predominance by a predetermined amount in the braking pressure in the second vehicle versus the co-braking signal is furnished, if during the preceding brake application actuation the overrun shock has surpassed a preset tolerance width. The invention can be applied in particular for vehicle trains made up of a motor vehicle and one or several trailers or semitrailers.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt, d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for a towing vehicle for towing a standard semi-trailer without such a braking system has a separate pressure control channel for the generation of trailer brake pressure whenever the towing vehicle is braked or if the parking brake of the towing vehicle is applied. The pressure signal level set in the towing vehicle is a function of the driver's electrical demand signal, compensated for trailer load and operating gradient. The compensation for trailer load is evaluated by assessing the total trailer mass from measurements of towing load during acceleration and substracting from this value the portion of the trailer load being supported by the towing vehicle as sensed by vertical force protection means on the towing means.

Abstract: Emergency brake control system for towed vehicles comprising brake regulation device and a plurality of switches whereby a discrete braking force may be selected and applied to the towed vehicle brakes upon actuation by the user of one of the switches and whereby the braking force is maintained without any intervention by the user.

Abstract: A tractor-(28) trailer (30) vehicle (24) brake system control for distributing the brake effort to obtain inter-tractor-trailer proportional braking (H.sub.1 /V.sub.1 =H.sub.2 /V.sub.2) by use of sensors (80, 170, 172) mounted to the trailer only is provided. The control system senses (80) acceleration (a) and the ratio of vertical to horizontal forces (H.sub.F /V.sub.F) at the fifth wheel/king pin connection (34/176) by means of sensors (170, 172) mounted to the trailer (30) only and modulates the trailer sub-vehicle brakes only to cause the ratio H.sub.F /V.sub.F to equal a function of acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention is a braking value transmitter with a pedal to modulate the braking pressure. The pedal is braced against a spring. The force exerted by the pedal or the position of the pedal is sensed by an electronic sensor. The output signal of the sensor is fed to an electronic system, which transforms the approximately linear characteristic of the sensor into a progressive characteristic.

Abstract: A tractor (28)-semi-trailer (30) brake system control for distributing brake effort to obtain inter-tractor-trailer balanced and proportional braking (H.sub.1 /V.sub.1 =H.sub.2 /V.sub.2), depending upon the magnitude of operator demand for braking effort, is provided. The control utilizes sensors (80, 170, 172) provided on only the tractor.

Abstract: A tractor (28) semi-trailer (30) brake system control for distributing brake effort to obtain inter-tractor-trailer balanced and proportional braking, depending upon the magnitude of operator demand for braking effort, is provided. The control utilizes sensors (80, 170, 172) provided solely on the tractor.

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: Apparatus for matching the brake pressure of vehicle combinations to the actual load comprising tranducers (36, 41) for adjusting the brake pressure of the units (10, 13) included in the vehicle combination, in dependence on pulling and pushing, respectively, of a coupling between the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle and in dependence on the loading of the vehicles.

Abstract: An improved remote braking system (10, 100) is provided which allows simultaneous actuation of the braking system of a motor home (12) and an automobile (14) towed behind the motor home. An advantage of the present invention is the incorporation of the system within the self-contained hydraulic brake system of the automobile, which permits the braking system of the automobile to be operated in the normal manner. The system includes an actuator (26, 102) which is secured between the vacuum booster (18) and the master cylinder (20) of the automobile. Within the actuator is a piston (38, 114) which separates the interior of the actuator into two chambers. A pressure differential is created between the chambers when the brakes of the motor home are applied to generate a force on the piston (38, 114), to apply the brakes of the towed automobile as well. The system is operable with either air brakes or hydraulic brakes in the motor home.

Abstract: An anti-theft hydraulic brake device is provided and consists of a valve placed in hydraulic fluid conduit going from a master cylinder to wheel brake cylinders that will keep the brakes locked when the valve is activated from the dashboard after the brake pedal is released. In a modification the valve can be selectively operated from the key operated ignition switch as an additional safety factor.

Abstract: A multiple-circuit pressure-medium braking system for vehicle and trailer combinations that increases safety by allowing the front-wheel brake, the rear-wheel brake and the trailer brake to respond simultaneously. The system comprises electrical control circuits and pressure medium circuits which are controlled by the electrical control circuits. Each pressure-medium circuit has its own electrical circuit assigned to it. The trailer brake valve is controlled by an electrical signal from an one of the electrical control circuits. This is in addition to the direct pneumatic control of the trailer brake valve by the trailer control valve, and allows for the simultaneous braking of the trailer and the vehicle.

Abstract: A braking system for towed vehicles is disclosed which provides for controlled application of hydraulic brakes in a towed vehicle in response to the application of the brakes by the driver of the towing vehicle. An electromagnetic variable valve means provides the responsive braking pressure in a towed vehicle by employing an electric current signal from the towing vehicle to create an electromagnetic force which is balanced against the hydraulic pressure present in the towed vehicle's brakelines.

Abstract: A braking system for automatically braking a towed vehicle coupled to a towing vehicle having an electrical brake control circuit and a vacuum line wherein the towed vehicle is provided with a normally closed solenoid valve for connecting both a vacuum reservoir in the towed vehicle and the vacuum line in the towing vehicle with a vacuum responsive bellows operatively connected to the brake pedal in the towed vehicle with the solenoid operated valve electrically connected through a normally open breakaway switch to the battery whereby the operation of the braking system on the towing vehicle is accompanied by an actuation of the solenoid operated valve and the application of a vacuum to the bellows for concomitant operation of the brake pedal on the towed vehicle and upon a decoupling of the towed and towing vehicles, a similar actuation of the solenoid operated valve when the breakaway switch closes to apply vacuum to the bellows for actuation of the brake pedal to brake the decoupled towed vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic control for electrically operated brakes utilizing solid state electronic components to control the braking mechanism in a towed vehicle. A transducer develops a control signal corresponding to the braking effort desired, and may be actuated by the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle or, alternately, may be actuated from the brake foot pedal itself or from a manual control. Power is applied to the brakes as a pulsating voltage, the pulse width of which is varied in response to the control signal. The pulse width is decreased with increasing currents to limit the power in the circuit when a short occurs in the towed vehicle brake circuit. The electronic control also may be used in other applications.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizer is comprised of a hydraulic assembly having a pair of hydraulic units for providing viscous fluid resistance to relative turning movements between a trailer and a towing vehicle. The assembly includes flow controls for varying turning resistance in response to turning rate and vehicle speed. Slack removal members constantly bias interconnected couplings to provide rate sensing and turning resistance with zero mechanical slack. A brake control system actuates towed vehicle brakes in response to hydraulic system pressure and includes speed responsive components preventing brake application below a predetermined speed. Circuitry is also provided for varying braking force in response to vehicle speed and turning rate, for adjusting braking force according to trailer size and road conditions, and for testing braking force adjustments.

Abstract: The control system for electrically operated brakes utilizes solid state electronic components to control the braking mechanism in a towed vehicle. Energy is provided by a pulsating voltage, the pulse width of which is varied by a pulse width modulator in accordance with the amount of braking effort desired for the vehicle being towed. The pulse width modulator has the width of its output pulse directly controlled by either a hand control, or by a foot pedal control, or in response to the brake hydraulic pressure for the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle. Protection against short circuit conditions in the towed vehicle is provided which disables the modulator from producing output pulses for a predetermined period of time. Adjustment of the ratio of braking effort in the towed vehicle to the braking effort in the towing vehicle is provided so as to compensate for different towed vehicle to towing vehicle weight ratios.

Abstract: A brake control system comprising an electric brake or the like having first and second electrically-operated brake actuators adapted for separate actuation, an operator-responsive controller for applying a first braking signal to the first actuator, and a control circuit responsive to the first braking signal for applying a second braking signal to the second actuator in substantially linear proportion to the first braking signal when the first braking signal exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A brake actuating system especially useful for applying the brakes of a towed vehicle concurrently with application of braking pressure in the towing vehicle is provided which includes a variable valve means interconnected to the towed vehicle's conventional type hydraulic brakes. The variable valve means controls the pressure applied to the brakes of the towed vehicle in response to variable electric current which is supplied via a variable current source which is interconnected to the brakes of the towing vehicle. Also provided, is a breakaway safety device which upon physical separation of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle causes hydraulic pressure to be supplied automatically to the hydraulic brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A braking system for towed vehicles adapted for mounting on the towed vehicle which comprises, electrical slave apparatus to apply the brakes proportionally to applied current, and actuated under control of a speed sensing device which generally increases braking force in proportion to increase in the speed of the vehicle as determined by the speed sensing device, the braking being initiated by the braking system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote control circuit for regulating current to electric trailer brakes as a function of the brake fluid pressure within the tractor brake system or in response to activation of a control arm by the tractor operator. A hydraulic transducer is connected directly to the tractor brake system to produce an electrical signal at the control circuit which varies as a function of the hydraulic fluid pressure. An electromagnetic, pressure-responsive circuit is also provided which is operatively connected to the trailer brakes and which retards movement of the operator control arm at the control circuit in proportion to the brake torque applied at the trailer.

Abstract: A control system of the type which provides "breakaway" safety action to energize the electrically actuatable coils of brakes in a trailer pulled by a towing vehicle, the coils being energized under a breakaway condition from an auxiliary battery carried in the trailer. The system includes a voltage threshold indicator which is connected across the auxiliary battery and the coils and which enables the driver to test the auxiliary battery and clearly determine if the battery has sufficient storage capacity to keep the coils adequately energized while load current is being drawn from the battery and supplied to the actual coils themselves -- such system being characterized by the provision of a current threshold sensor which prevents the indicator from providing a "safe" signal if the excitation circuit to the coils has been interrupted or if one or more of the coils has become disconnected from the circuit.

Abstract: An installation for the control of the brake force at the wheels of motor vehicle combinations, such as of truck-trailer combinations, in which one locking protective brake force control system each is coordinated to the truck and to the trailer which operate independently of one another, and by means of which each individual wheel is controllable within the stable range of the friction value-slippage-curve; a measuring device is thereby arranged in the connection between the truck and the trailer for measuring the tow bar force occurring thereat, whereby this measuring device is connected with the locking protective brake force control system of the truck and is operable to produce a signal when a predetermined, pushing tow-bar force value is exceeded, which blocks an increase of the brake force at the truck for the duration of the presence of the signal from the measuring device.

Abstract: A control system of the type which provides "breakaway" safety action to energize the electrically actuatable coils of brakes in a trailer pulled by a towing vehicle, the coils being energized under a breakaway condition from an auxiliary battery carried in the trailer. The present system is characterized by a voltage threshold indicator which is connected across the auxiliary battery and the coils and which enables the driver to test the auxiliary battery and clearly determine if the battery has sufficient storage capacity to keep the coils adequately energized while load current is being drawn from the battery and supplied to the actual coils themselves. The indicator preferably is incorporated in a pull-apart breakaway switch unit which automatically connects the brake coils with the auxiliary battery in the event of a breakaway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the brake force at the wheels of a trailer provided with a tow-bar in the sense of an elimination of the force occurring between the towing vehicle and the trailer, in which the static characteristic magnitude and at least one of the dynamic characteristic magnitudes are combined to form the control magnitude for the brake force of the trailer brake.

Abstract: There is provided a brake system for a vehicle train which includes a tractor and a trailer, a source of high pressure air connected through an air control line to a pneumatic brake with the air control line in the tractor being connected to a fast-acting pressure switch which is activated by a higher pressure and a slow-acting pressure switch which is activated by a lower pressure, and with the fast-acting pressure switch operatively connected to open a valve to supply high pressure air directly to the trailer brake, and with said low pressure switch operatively connected to open the circuit which includes the fast-acting pressure switch.

Abstract: A remote control circuit for regulating current to electric trailer brakes as a function of the brake fluid pressure within the tractor brake system or in response to activation of a control arm by the tractor operator. A hydraulic transducer is connected directly to the tractor brake system to produce an electrical signal at the control circuit which varies as a function of the hydraulic fluid pressure. An electromagnetic, pressure-responsive circuit is also provided which is operatively connected to the trailer brakes and which retards movement of the operator control arm at the control circuit in proportion to the brake torque applied at the trailer.

Abstract: An automatic stability control system is provided which senses the lateral acceleration of a vehicle by way of strain gauge sensors, or the like, to provide lateral acceleration signals to an amplifier. Since strain gauge sensors which operate on the piezoelectric effect provide very weak signals, special amplifier circuits must be employed. The amplified signals control a brake assembly on the vehicle to simultaneously, continuously and gradually apply the right and left brakes with a force proportional to the lateral acceleration signals in order to eliminate swerving or swaying of the vehicle. The amplifier is mounted in the vehicle and includes a sensitivity adjustment for setting a threshold point corresponding to a minimum lateral acceleration force to which the system will respond. Sensor configurations are also used which have strain gauges to sense the regular brake fluid pressure of the vehicle in combination with the lateral force sensing sensors.

Abstract: Braking systems for tractor and trailer combinations.A valve is mounted on the brake pedal of a vehicle and a second pedal pivotally connected to the brake pedal. The second pedal is connected to the spool of the valve by a spring. Depression of the second pedal allows fluid through the valve to the trailer brakes. Pressure in the trailer brakes acts between the spool and the body to bias the spool to compress the spring. This force is reacted by the brake pedal and thus the brake pedal is actuated by a force proportional to the force in the trailer brakes.

Abstract: System for providing automatic synchronization of towing tug and aircraft braking systems during aircraft towing operations. A tow brake controller utilizing an aircraft brake pressure control circuit provides aircraft automatic brake pressure control signals in the aircraft automatic braking system in response to tractor braking signals. The brake pressure control circuit provides an increase and then a decrease in aircraft automatic braking system pressure in response to tow vehicle operator applied brake pressure.

Abstract: A control valve for use in a tow vehicle-trailer braking system has a first bore connected to a master cylinder and a second bore with an entrance port connected to a pump in the tow vehicle for receiving a fluid under pressure, an exit port connected to a power steering control operated by the fluid under pressure, and a control port connected to a servomotor in the trailer. A first piston is located in the first bore and a second piston is located in the second bore. A lever which is located on a pivot pin connects the first piston with the second piston. When the operator applies a braking force to operate the master cylinder, the first piston receives a hydraulic force which acts on the lever to move the second piston and direct a portion of the pump fluid under pressure from the exit port to the control port to activate the servomotor brakes in the trailer.

Abstract: A tractor trailer system having an actuating member on the tractor electrically connected to a hydraulic braking system on the trailer to provide remote actuation of the brakes. A brake system incorporating an electrically powered, constant hydraulic pressure source located near the brakes to precisely and proportionally control the brake pressure to the brakes by means of a solenoid valve electrically energized by a signal controlled by the movement of an actuator on the tractor cab.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for an articulated vehicle wherein the system includes a supply line and a service brake line interconnecting the tractor and trailer portions of the vehicle. A trailer control valve controls communication through the service brake line. A throttle valve is located in the supply line, and is adapted to restrict communication therethrough when the pressure differential across the trailer control valve exceeds a predetermined level during a brake application.

Abstract: An electrical brake control system for a towed vehicle having an electric brake, where the control system is actuated by the hydraulic brake system in the towing vehicle. The electrical brake control system includes a hydraulic pressure transducer having a hydraulic input connected to the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle and an electrical output proportional to the hydraulic pressure developed by the hydraulic system. A comparator circuit has first and second inputs and an output. A circuit connects the first input to the electrical output of the hydraulic pressure transducer and a second circuit connects the output from the comparator circuit to the electrically operated brake in the towed vehicle. A feedback system connects the electrically operated brake to the second input of the comparator circuit such that the comparator circuit always maintains the feedback voltage to the second input substantially identical with the voltage of the first input.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically eliminating a sway condition of a trailer towed by a tow vehicle. A hitch connects the trailer to the tow vehicle and has a sensor for providing signals corresponding to the hitch lateral force for operating the trailer brakes.