Abstract: An electronic control system of emergency and service braking comprises an emergency brake module and a service brake module, each module including an independent and segregated electronic architecture. The service brake module receives a deceleration/service braking demand signal and generates a service braking pressure signal. The emergency brake module connected to the service brake module to receive the service braking pressure signal, receives a signal indicative of an emergency braking demand, generates a respective intermediate braking pressure signal indicating an emergency braking, generates a signal corresponding to the higher value between the service braking pressure signal and the intermediate braking pressure signal indicative of an emergency braking, which is converted to braking pressure.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system includes a main valve comprising a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm, and a valve member, with the first diaphragm having a reference pressure on one side of the first diaphragm and a brake cylinder pressure on an opposite side of the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm having a brake cylinder pressure on one side of the second diaphragm with the first diaphragm configured to move between a first position and a second position based on a differential between the reference pressure and the brake cylinder pressure. The valve member is configured to place a brake cylinder in fluid communication with a brake pipe when the first and second diaphragm are each in the second position and configured to isolate a brake cylinder from a brake pipe when the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm are in the first position.

Abstract: A method for adjusting brake pressures on pneumatically actuated wheel brakes of a vehicle includes, in a normal braking mode, continuously determining, by the brake control unit, at least one differential slip value as a difference between slip values of two wheels or axles of the vehicle, and determining, by the brake control unit, an interaxle braking distribution index for a relevant pair of axles by an assessment of a change in the at least one differential slip value within an evaluation interval. The method further includes, in a pressure control mode, using, by the brake control unit, the interaxle braking distribution index that is determined in the normal braking mode for the weighting of the control signals for the respective pair of axles.

Abstract: A method for operating a drive system having at least one drive engine for a motor vehicle, having the following: carrying out an acceleration monitoring of the motor vehicle, a changeover to an alternative monitoring being made when the acceleration monitoring can no longer carry out a reliable monitoring, and, in the alternative monitoring, an engine rotational speed being limited to a maximum permissible engine rotational speed; and ascertaining the maximum permissible rotational speed as a function of a rotational speed specification specified by a driver's request.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a hydraulically-actuated brake of an aircraft includes a brake control unit. The brake control unit is configured to receive a brake signal from an operator of the aircraft. A pump is in fluidic communication with a reservoir for holding hydraulic fluid and the brake for supplying the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the brake. An electric motor is in communication with the brake control unit and coupled to the pump to control pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the pump in accordance with the brake signal.

Abstract: A method and device for the electronic control of the brake force distribution according to a differential slip or differential speed between at least one wheel of the front axle and at least one wheel of the rear axle of a vehicle, in which, when a differential slip threshold value or a differential speed threshold value is exceeded by the differential slip or the differential speed, the brake pressure at the rear axle is limited, characterized in that the differential slip threshold value or the differential speed threshold value is determined according to the braking request.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system for an air brake arrangement including: at least one sensor to measure air pressure in at least one component of an air brake arrangement; at least one local controller to determine air brake data; and at least one communication device to transmit at least a portion of the air brake. An air brake arrangement and a computer-implemented method of determining air brake data in an air brake arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A railcar control apparatus comprises a synchronous slide/slip detector which determines that the axles are synchronously sliding/slipping if an absolute value of axle's speed difference is less than a synchronous slide/slip speed difference threshold and an absolute value of axle's acceleration is greater than a predetermined synchronous slide/slip acceleration threshold.

Abstract: A brake control device includes a relay valve that generates a first drive pressure for driving a brake, from an air pressure generated by a first air supply source, based on an pilot pressure applied, and a double check valve that connects the relay valve and a second air supply source that generates a second drive pressure separate to the first air supply source, and that communicates the drive pressure which is generated in either the relay valve or the second air supply source, with the brake. The device also includes a variable load valve that outputs a first pressure according to a pressure of an air spring fitted on a vehicle side, a first solenoid valve group which generates the pilot pressure from the air pressure during service operation, and a second solenoid valve group which outputs, as the pilot pressure, a second pressure according to the first pressure output from the variable load valve during emergency operation.

Abstract: A brake control device includes a relay valve that generates a first drive pressure for driving a brake, from an air pressure generated by a first air supply source, based on an pilot pressure applied, and a double check valve that connects the relay valve and a second air supply source that generates a second drive pressure separate to the first air supply source, and that communicates the drive pressure which is generated in either the relay valve or the second air supply source, with the brake. The device also includes a variable load valve that outputs a first pressure according to a pressure of an air spring fitted on a vehicle side, a first solenoid valve group which generates the pilot pressure from the air pressure during service operation, and a second solenoid valve group which outputs, as the pilot pressure, a second pressure according to the first pressure output from the variable load valve during emergency operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ground transportation systems, and more particularly to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior cost benefit ratio, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today. According to certain aspects, the present invention provides a braking control system and methodology that enables the implementation of related systems and methods that achieve safe headways at higher speeds than conventionally possible, while maintaining collision avoidance capabilities that support necessary MTBH criteria. In embodiments, a brake assembly for an axle of a vehicle provides redundancy and load-sharing such that failures are guaranteed to not occur above required safety criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior cost benefit ratio, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today. The invention provides an emergency braking control system and methodology that enables the implementation of related systems and methods that achieve safe headways at higher speeds than conventionally possible, while maintaining collision avoidance capabilities. In embodiments, vehicles are controlled from one or more stations with commands that are periodically sent from the station to the vehicle. For the control of emergency braking, this command contains a Safe to Proceed (STP) field that is intended and is required for the vehicle to withhold braking.

Abstract: To provide a train braking device including a controller that controls a brake cylinder pressure acting on a brake cylinder based on a service brake command or an emergency brake command, the train braking device includes a supply valve for supplying compressed air to the brake cylinder and an exhaust valve for adjusting a pressure of the supplied compressed air.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first powered unit and a remote powered unit. The system includes a sensor positioned within the vehicle, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first powered unit, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system.

Abstract: A train slide control device and a train slide control method capable of further improving the precision of slide control are achieved. The train slide control device comprises: an electromagnetic valve unit; a relay valve that outputs a pressure of the brake cylinder; and a slide controller that includes: a velocity-difference detecting unit that detects a velocity difference of each wheel based on a velocity signal; a deceleration calculating unit that calculates a deceleration of a train based on the velocity signal; a sliding-amount determining unit that determines a sliding-amount of each wheel based on the velocity difference and deceleration; and a brake-cylinder-pressure calculating unit that calculates a pressure control signal for controlling a pressure of the brake cylinder based on: the sliding-amount; a brake command for obtaining a predetermined deceleration; and a signal that indicates the pressure of the compressed air and a pressure of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. The distributed power train includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first locomotive and a remote locomotive. The system includes a sensor positioned within the distributed power train, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first locomotive, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range. Additionally, a method is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train.

Abstract: A brake control valve includes a housing, a quick braking chamber and a piston subject to brake pipe pressure on one side of the piston. A bore in the housing connects the quick braking chamber at a first end and the one side of the piston at a second end. A first valve is in the housing at the first end of the bore. A first operator is in the bore for opening the first valve for a range of positions of the piston. The bore has a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The first bore portion connects the one side of the piston to the second bore portion. A first operator in the bore is connected to the piston. A seal on the first operator is dimensioned to form a seal with the first bore portion and not with the second bore portion.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electropneumatic braking system of a rail vehicle, containing a direct-action electropneumatic braking device and an indirect-action compressed-air braking device.

Abstract: The train braking device includes an air brake controller in which a plurality of friction coefficients corresponding to a brake command and a brake initial velocity are stored, an electropneumatic conversion valve that converts a pressure control signal transmitted from the air brake controller into a pneumatic signal, a relay valve that generates a predetermined brake cylinder pressure corresponding to the pneumatic signal, and a brake cylinder that controls brake shoes according to the brake cylinder pressure, wherein the air brake controller generates the pressure control signal based on the friction coefficients corresponding to the brake command and the brake initial velocity.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation railways has at least one vehicle, a compressed air supply unit provided in the vehicle and at least one consumer connection line, the compressed air supply unit has at least two compressed air lines laid in the vehicle and connected to at least one compressed air source each, and the consumer connection line can be connected to one another of the compressed air lines.

Abstract: A method of propagating a brake pipe braking command along a fluid carrying brake pipe (14) interconnecting members of a transportation system, the transportation system comprising a communication system (24) for exchanging information between a controlling member of the system and controlled members of the system includes identifying an unexpected brake pipe fluid flow condition at a first controlled member (e.g. 12) of the transportation system inconsistent with a communication system braking command issued by a controlling member of the transportation system. The method also includes disabling an ability of the first controlled member to control a brake pipe flow so that a brake pipe braking command issued by the controlling member is propagated along a brake pipe to a second controlled member of the transportation system downstream of the first controlled member with reduced brake pipe fluid flow interference from the first controlled member.

Abstract: An apparatus to enable the automatic release of a railway vehicle hand brake system from either side of the vehicle comprises a source of fluid pressure engageable with the vehicle. A release cylinder, operable by fluid pressure, is connected to a hand brake mechanism. A valve is connected intermediate the source of fluid pressure and the release cylinder causing the release cylinder to release the hand brake system. A first valve actuator is disposed on a first side of the vehicle and is connected intermediate the valve and the source of fluid pressure. A second valve actuator is disposed on an opposed second side of the vehicle and is connected intermediate the valve and the source of fluid pressure. Both the first and second valve actuators cause the valve to initiate communication of fluid pressure from the source of fluid pressure to the release cylinder.

Abstract: A method and system for providing true failsafe control of an electronic braking system by a train control system which controls a switch that supplies power to the electronic braking system. When the train control system determines that it is necessary to activate the train's brakes, it controls the switch so as to remove power to the electronic braking system, which results in activation of the train's brakes. In highly preferred embodiments, the switch is of a type that is normally open and that requires the presence of an electrical signal to close the switch to supply power to the electronic braking system. In such embodiments, any loss in power to the train control system will result in a loss of signal to the switch, thereby causing activation of the train's brakes.

Abstract: A pneumatic emergency brake assurance module comprises a high capacity transfer valve connected in a first position to the output of the variable load relay valve and in a second position connected to a source of emergency braking air pressure. A timing reservoir is in communication with the pilot port of the high capacity transfer valve. A check valve/choke circuit provides parallel connections between a double check valve and the output of the variable load relay valve such that flow from the variable load relay valve passes through a charging choke and opposite flow to the variable load relay valves passes through a dissipation choke.

Abstract: In a transportation system comprising a fluid carrying brake pipe (14) connecting controlling member of the system and a controlled member (e.g., 12) a method of adaptively disabling an ability of the controlled member to respond to an unexpected brake pipe flow condition includes determining a braking state of the transportation system. The method also includes determining a degree of change in a brake pipe pressure during the braking state. The method further includes disabling an ability of the controlled member to respond to an unexpected brake pipe flow condition for a time period responsive to the braking state and the degree of change in the brake pipe pressure so that an undesired operation of the controlled member is limited.

Abstract: A pneumatic emergency brake release timer comprises a high capacity transfer valve, a timing reservoir in communication with the pilot port of the high capacity transfer valve, the check valve and choke circuit providing parallel connections between the main source of pressure and the reservoir through a check valve and opposite flow through a dissipating choke.

Abstract: A remote train-line braking control system includes first and second air supplies and a first control valve connected in fluid communication between the first air supply and an air pressure controlled diaphragm that controls a fluid pressure supplied to a train-line braking system. A second control valve is connected in fluid communication between the second air supply and the first control valve. The first and second control valves are operable for individually connecting the diaphragm to the first air supply, the second air supply and atmospheric pressure. The diaphragm is responsive to the pressure of air supplied thereto for controlling a fluid pressure supplied to the train-line braking system. When the diaphragm is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the brakes of the train-line braking system are fully applied.

Abstract: A system that performs anti-slip and anti-lock functions of the wheels in a vehicle provided with a pneumatic braking system. The system includes a brake control apparatus to which is connectable a plurality of electro-pneumatic valve units for control of the brake cylinders associated with the wheels/axles. These valve units are controlled in such a way as selectively to permit application of a braking pressure to the associated brake cylinders, holding this pressure, and discharge of the pressure from the brake cylinders.

Abstract: A locomotive brake system includes a plurality of electronic air brake controllers for controlling at least a train brake pipe and a locomotive brake pipe interconnected by a communication network. A communication port and a system controller are connected to the network. The system controller controls the configuration of the electronic air brake controllers for standard mode and remote mode of the brake system and assembling EAB network signals for communication between a remote locomotive controller to be connected to the communication port and the electronic air brake controllers.

Abstract: A system for controlling brakes on a rail or light rail motive power unit, in which the brakes are provided with a pneumatic braking system including a pneumatic main pipe and a pneumatic brake pipe. The system includes a control unit, manually operated actuating devices, a relay valve interposed between the pneumatic main pipe and the brake pipe, an electro-pneumatic control unit operable under the control of the unit to supply a variable braking control pressure, pneumatic back-up devices operable under the control of the actuating devices to supply a pneumatic back-up pressure which can be used to control the braking, and an enabling valve which can be switched between a normal operating condition and a back-up operating condition in which it can connect a control inlet of the relay valve selectively to the outlet of the electropneumatic unit or to the back-up devices.

Abstract: The secure computer system comprises at least one computer having a processor operating under the control of a program on input data that can be associated with a code and delivering output data for output members. A security peripheral that is external but connected to the processor is provided to receive at least the input data codes, the operands, and the nature of the operation of each elementary operation performed by the processor, a code being calculated on each elementary operation performed by the processor in order to verify proper performance of all or part of the executed program. The system is applicable to processes for automatically running rail track systems.

Abstract: A brake controller for a locomotive includes a train brake pipe, a locomotive brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a control valve and a relay valve. The first control input of the relay valve is selectively connected to one of the output of the control valve and the locomotive brake pipe; and the second control input of the relay valve is selectively connected to the locomotive brake pipe when the control valve output is a release signal. A first electro-pneumatic valve, when activated, causes the control valve to be a release signal. An electronic controller is connected to a first pressure transducer for the locomotive brake pipe, a lead/trail mode switch and the first electro-pneumatic valve; and activates the electro-pneumatic valve for brake release pressures in the locomotive brake pipe when the mode switch is in the trail mode.

Abstract: The system utilizes two bi-directional transmission lines which extend parallel to and spaced form one another along the train; a control unit operating as a main unit installed on the main engine is connected to the transmission lines and to brake control systems or devices for the train; a plurality of slave control units, each of which is installed on a respective carriage or wagon, are connected to both transmission lines, to solenoid valve units associated with pneumatic brake actuators, and to sensor devices associated with the carriage or wagon. The main control unit and the slave control units are arranged to communicate with one another via the transmission lines according to a predetermined serial protocol.

Abstract: An electronic control system (20) for an electropneumatic brake for a rail vehicle having a power trainline (18), comprising a battery (34); a functional control module (30) and a power management module; wherein the functional control module (30) includes a brake controller for the electropneumatic brake, an interface to the power trainline, a transceiver for receiving brake signals, a power supply circuit deriving a power supply from the power trainline (18), and a control management controller for the transceiver and the power supply circuit; and wherein the power management module includes a battery charging circuit connected to the power supply and a power controller for the battery charging circuit and the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for overload monitoring of vehicle brakes of electronically controlled brake systems of vehicles and of vehicle combinations. The temperatures of the wheel brakes of the vehicle or vehicle train parts of the vehicle combination are determined and compared with a preset temperature limit value, and a first warning signal is output to the driver if the temperature of the wheel brakes on one axle of the vehicle or of a vehicle train part reaches the temperature limit value. A second warning signal is output to the driver if the determined temperatures of the wheel brakes on more than one axle of the vehicle or of at least one vehicle train part or all vehicle train parts of the vehicle combination reach the temperature limit value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for monitoring the effectiveness of rail vehicle braking systems and, in response to certain criteria, initiating one or more of a safety braking and a switching-off of a brake-force-limiting or brake-force-reducing device of the braking system when a defined desired slip is not reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the supply of a pressure medium on rail vehicles which are coupled together in a tractive link both mechanically and in order to enable the flow of said pressure medium, whereby said pressure medium is supplied by a main air container pipe which extends through all rail vehicles and which is fed with a pressure medium via a plurality of compressors individually mounted in each rail vehicle. The aim of the invention is to allow a balanced use of the compressors included in the tracture link. In order to achieve this, a changeable or fixed order of priority is defined for the compressors according to the total number of compressors in the tracture link, whereby the number of compressors activated depends on the order of priority necessary to meet the actual required amount of pressure medium.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling brake actuation energy in electronically controlled brake systems (EBSs) of vehicles having front and rear axles. To prevent undesired overheating of brakes during braking, the temperatures of the brakes of the wheels of the front and rear axles are determined and compared with one another and with a preset limit value. If the limit value is reached during braking, (i) less brake actuation energy is provided to the brakes with the higher temperatures, while more brake actuation energy is provided to the brakes with the lower temperatures, (ii) the differential slip threshold for the light braking brake lining wear control range of the EBS is raised and/or (iii) the driver's set brake signal for the transition from the light braking brake lining wear control range to the heavy braking adhesion control range of the EBS is raised.

Abstract: A dual feedback, high accuracy pressure control means for railcar braking systems having an electronic control module. A transducer is electronically connected to the control module for transmitting a pressure signal to the control module. There is a source of fluid pressure with such source of fluid pressure being at least one of a supply pressure and a regulated supply pressure. At least two solenoid valves have a fluid connection to one another and to the transducer and are electronically connected to the control module for receiving at least one of an apply and hold signal. At least two solenoid valves have a fluid connection to one another and to the transducer and are electronically connected to the control module for receiving at least one of a release and hold signal. A relay valve has a fluid connection to at least two of the solenoid valves and to the transducer and to such source of fluid pressure and to a braking device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling brake actuation energy in electronically controlled brake systems of tractor and trailer vehicle combinations. The temperatures of the brakes of the tractor and trailer vehicle parts are determined and compared with one another and with a preset temperature limit value. If the determined temperatures differ by at least a preset value and the temperatures of the brakes of at least one vehicle part reach the temperature limit, less brake actuation energy is provided to the brakes of the vehicle part having the higher temperatures, while more brake actuation energy is provided to the brakes of the vehicle part having the lower temperatures, and coupling force control is deactivated or programmed to adjust a coupling force which is not zero but the magnitude of which depends on the temperature induced changes of the brake actuation energy.

Abstract: A method of substantially achieving a minimum stopping distance of a freight train consist without incurring any significant detrimental wheel slide comprising the steps of preprogramming preselected information into a computer disposed on a freight locomotive and determining a speed of such freight train consist. Then communicating a signal that is indicative of said speed determined to such computer disposed on such freight locomotive. Determining in such computer a pressure that can be applied to brake cylinders which will maintain substantially maximum adhesion between wheels being braked and rail surfaces in contact with such wheels and communicating a signal representative of such pressure determined to a pressure control valve in fluid communication with such brake cylinders and, thereafter, maintaining a maximum pressure on such brake cylinders that will stop such train consist in a shortest possible distance while simultaneously substantially preventing wheel slide.

Abstract: A trainline communication controller for placement on a rail car or locomotive of a train in order form a network having a housing with a front plate assembly which includes a plurality of external electrical receptacles. A plurality of circuits, including surface connectors, are positioned in the housing. A printed circuit board including connector smating directly with the surface connectors of the circuits and where in the receptacles are mounted on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for railway equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to brake devices and systems for pneumatically and manually actuating such devices on railroad train cars such as freight cars. The brake system can be integrated into modern trains without interfering with existing air brake systems. The brake system can be remotely operated, locally pneumatically operated and/or locally manually operated. Monitoring equipment for determining the status of the brakes from remote and local positions may also be provided. The invention may be configured to fit within the envelope of prior art handbrake systems.

Abstract: A pneumatic system serves as a backup to the electronic system that normally provides load compensation on a railcar truck during both service and emergency applications of the brakes. The pneumatic system compensates for the load railcar bears during service and emergency brake applications whenever the electronic load compensation system fails due to a loss of power or other electrical failure. Ideal for railcar trucks equipped with brake pipe controlled brake equipment, the pneumatic system provides load compensation through use of a four-port variable load valve in combination with a low complexity MC-30A-1 control valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve module for a train railcar. The pneumatic valve module operates in an electronically-controlled mode or in a conventional pneumatic controlled mode. In either mode, the valve module is responsive to a pneumatic emergency brake signal for making an emergency brake application. Also, in the electronically-controlled mode an electronic signal (supplied over a conductor or a wireless communications link) commands a controller on each railcar to apply or release the brakes. In the pneumatic-controlled mode, various reservoir pressures are measured to apply and release the brakes in response to the measured pressures.

Abstract: An electronic vent valve for an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP”) braking system having a plurality of braking sites at which a braking force can be applied. The ECP braking system includes a master controller processing circuit, individual braking control units located proximate each of the braking sites and a brake pipe supplying compressed air to the braking sites. The electronic vent valve is in fluid communication with the compressed air carried by the brake pipe and has an open position for substantially venting the compressed air from the brake pipe and a closed position for substantially retaining the compressed air within the brake pipe. The electronic vent valve includes a control circuit for causing the valve to open during emergency braking operations, thereby assuring a rapid decrease in the brake pipe pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic system serves as a backup to the electronic system that normally provides load compensation on a railcar truck during both service and emergency applications of the brakes. The pneumatic system compensates for the load railcar bears during service and emergency brake applications whenever the electronic load compensation system fails due to a loss of power or other electrical failure. Ideal for railcar trucks equipped with brake pipe controlled brake equipment, the pneumatic system provides load compensation through use of a four-port variable load valve in combination with a low complexity MC-30A-1 control valve.

Abstract: A method to facilitate reducing delays in braking applications in a train using a system. The system includes at least one computer for executing brake control functions of the train and a brake pipe that extends along a length of the train for supplying air for brake operations. The train includes a lead locomotive, at least one remote locomotive, and at least one railcar. The method includes sensing a change in airflow in the brake pipe, determining whether the change in air flow is desired, sensing brake pipe pressure, and filtering undesired fluctuations in brake pipe pressure during brake applications based on the determination of whether a change in airflow is desired.