Abstract: A trip cock valve for a brake system on a rail car includes a valve body that defines an inlet, a chamber downstream from the inlet, and an outlet downstream from the chamber. A piston is inside the chamber. A valve member operably connected to the piston has a first position that prevents fluid flow through the outlet and a second position that permits fluid flow through the outlet. A lever is operably engaged with the valve member to move the valve member from the first position to the second position. A valve position indicator downstream from the inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet when the valve member is in the second position.

Abstract: A failed bearing indicator for detecting and indicating an overheated axle journal in a railcar axle bearing. In a preferred embodiment the failed bearing indicator is characterized by an elongated connector chain terminated on each end by a T-shaped connector bracket. Each of the connector brackets is typically bolted to a common pedestal adaptor which is mounted on each corresponding axle bearing of the railcar, and one of the fastening bolts is constructed of a heat-resistant material and the other fastening bolt is constructed of a heat-sensitive material. In the event that the axle bearing overheats during travel of the railcar on the railroad, the heat-sensitive bolt melts and releases the corresponding connector bracket from the pedestal adaptor, while the other connector bracket, secured by the heat-resistant bolt, remains attached to the pedestal adaptor.

Abstract: A rubber tired transportation vehicle for use in a mass transit system is provided with a disc member positioned adjacent to at least one vehicle support pneumatic tire operative with a condition sensing apparatus to detect the occurrence of a flat tire condition and to limit the vehicle axle drop in the event of a resulting loss of desired vehicle support because of that flat tire condition.