Abstract: A release valve apparatus for use on freight railcars equipped with ECP brake equipment comprises a spool valve assembly and a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly features a lever with which a railroad worker can affect the pressure in a brake cylinder to which the spool valve assembly is connected. By operating the lever after a brake application, a worker can not only manually release the pressure from the brake cylinder but also lock the brake cylinder in a release state until the spool valve assembly is reset. The spool valve assembly can be reset merely by commanding the ECP brake equipment to depressurize a control chamber underneath the spool valve assembly, in response to which the ECP application and release valves are again placed in communication with the brake cylinder. The lever can also be used to manually blow down the auxiliary and emergency reservoirs.

Abstract: A trailer brake valve (1) is to be mounted in a compressed air brake system of a trailer of a truck. The brake system of the trailer includes an anti lock control unit and a load sensing control unit. The trailer brake valve (1) includes a housing (2), a relay piston (3) being movably guided in the housing (2) and a control chamber (4). A brake chamber (5) includes connections (31) for conduits leading to brake cylinders (33) of the brake system. The control chamber (4) and the brake chamber (5) are defined by the relay piston (3). A brake conduit (7) is connected to the control chamber (4). A reservoir chamber (47) and an outlet valve (43, 54) are located in the housing (2) and an inlet valve (43, 51) is located adjacent the reservoir chamber (47). A first solenoid valve (8) is arranged in the brake conduit (7) and a second solenoid valve (18) is designed and arranged to deaerate the control chamber (4).

Abstract: A brake control 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 of the towing vehicle. The system is designed in two preferred embodiments. The first embodiment is a self-contained design adapted for use with rental trailers, for example, where a plurality of towed vehicles will be associated with a particular trailer. The second embodiment is intended for hard wiring in connection with the towed and towing vehicles. In each case, superior performance is obtained because the system operates the brake system of the towed vehicle in a unique manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the activation of a safety device associated with a vehicle pedal in a vehicle including an engine compartment, a pedal arm, a push rod connected to the pedal arm, and an acting rod for acting upon the push rod, the apparatus comprising an actuator for releasing the push rod from the pedal arm upon actuation thereof, and a sensor for actuation of the actuator in response to detection of a condition of the vehicle corresponding to a collison, the sensor being disposed in a zone within the vehicle defined by first and second distances displaced from the front edge of the vehicle, these distances being selected whereby the zone defines a location in which deformation occurs upon a collision at a predetermined speed and corresponding to minimum and maximum time delays for activation of the sensor after deformation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of integral operating the brake and propulsion systems includes determining if the brake command signal is a pneumatic or electrical system initiated emergency brake command or an operator initiated emergency brake command. A brake signal and an emergency propulsion signal are transmitted on the network for pneumatic and electrical system and operator initiated brake commands. A brake signal is transmitted on the train brake pipe for operator and pneumatic system initiated brake commands.

Abstract: A braking apparatus used to brake a vehicle has a brake actuator that actuates at least one brake of the vehicle through a cable that mechanically interconnects the brake actuator to the brake pedal of the vehicle through a cable shield tube that is anchored to a first anchor point and a second anchor point. The first anchor point is separated a fixed distance from the brake actuator by a base plate, and the second attachment point is separated a fixed distance from the brake pedal by attaching the second attachment point to a firewall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake signal transmitter for an electronic braking system produces an electrical braking requirement signal as well as a mechanically produced pneumatic braking pressure. The electronic braking requirement signal is evaluated, together with other measured magnitudes which define the travel state, in an electronic vehicle control system, and a braking pressure is produced as a function of this evaluation by a braking pressure modulator. Following the principle of addition redundancy, the pressure produced mechanically by the brake signal transmitter is added to the pressure produced electrically by the brake modulator and the total pressure represents the braking pressure acting on the brake cylinders. In the event of failure of the electronic system, the mechanically produced pressure automatically becomes active as the braking pressure, and functions as the redundancy pressure.

Abstract: A grade speed control system and method for a railway freight vehicle can include a microprocessor receiving input from, for example, the dynamic and independent brakes on the locomotive, and the brakes on each rail car. The microprocessor can store values for desired train speed and actual train speed as well as constants and equations for converting raw data to derive brake cylinder pressure adjustments for implementing train speed control functions. The grade speed control system can also include communicate with brake cylinder control devices on articulated rail cars to increase or decrease the brake cylinder pressures to control the train speed. If actual speed differs from target speed by more than a predetermined amount, a target acceleration can be calculated and brake cylinder pressures adjustments can be derived to achieve the target acceleration to bring the actual speed of the train to the target speed in a reasonably brief time period.

Abstract: A vehicular brake control method and apparatus having a controller that controls a pressure of a supplied operating fluid to the wheels. The vehicle brake control apparatus includes brakes that apply braking forces corresponding to the pressure of the operating fluid to the wheels. A pump is provided that force-feeds the operating fluid. A valve is disposed to adjust the pressure of the operating fluid that is force-fed from the pump. The controller performs an operation control of the pump and the valve to control the pressure of the operating fluid to be supplied to the brakes when the controller determines that the braking forces are to be applied to the vehicle. The controller controls a pressure-increasing gradient of a fluid pressure by controlling both the pump and the valve during a pressure-increasing control for increasing the pressure in the brakes.

Abstract: An integrated pneumatic and electropneumatic train brake system and method of operation. An electropneumatic brake controller in at least one of the locomotives provides an emergency brake signal on a brake pipe and the network to the pneumatic and electropneumatic brakes for an emergency position of the operator interface. The brake controller also provides an emergency signal only on the network to the electropneumatic brakes in the continuous service position of the operator interface.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic braking system of the type capable of operating in a braking-by-wire mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to braking devices at the vehicle wheels in proportion to the driver's braking demand as sensed electronically at a brake pedal, in a push-through mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to the braking devices at the vehicle wheels by way of a master cylinder coupled mechanically to the brake pedal and in an ABS mode in which the braking pressures at the individual wheels are controlled in dependence, inter alia, on the detected rotational behavior of the vehicle wheels, and which includes a hydraulic travel simulator which is connected hydraulically to the master cylinder by way of an electrically controlled isolation valve for providing improved feel for the driver through the brake pedal in the push-through operating mode.

Abstract: A vehicle electro-hydraulic braking system having a fluid pressure accumulator of the pre-charged diaphragm type which is used to store fluid under pressure, charged by means of a fluid pump or compressor driven either by an electric motor or directly from the vehicle engine for supply to a valve system which is adapted to supply the brake or brakes of the vehicle with fluid pressure in accordance with the level of the driver's braking demand, the control of the accumulator pressure being arranged to lie within a fixed control range, with a cut-in pressure defining the lower limiting pressure of the control range and a cut-out pressure defining the upper limiting pressure of the control range, and there being a warning pressure range defined between a warning pressure level and the cut-in pressure, wherein at least one of the warning, cut-in and cut-out pressure levels is arranged to be controlled in dependence upon temperature.

Abstract: An integration train brake system including a single brake controller providing locomotive and train brake commands. A first control transmits a car brake signal on an electrical network for train brake commands to EP cars. A second control transmits a locomotive brake signal on the locomotive brake pipe for train and locomotive brake commands. The brake system may have a pneumatic mode and an electrical mode. The first control transmits car brake signals on the network in the electrical mode and the second control transmits car brake signals on the train brake pipe for the pneumatic mode. The second control transmits locomotive brake signals on the locomotive brake pipe in either mode. If the train is all electropneumatic, cars and locomotive braking signals are provided on the network. Distributive power may also be transmitted over the network in the electrical mode.

Abstract: An ectropneumatic brake control valve unit capable of operating at the interface of the emergency brake portion or the service brake portion of a standard brake control valve as a retrofit unit or operating as a stand alone electropneumatic unit. The unit includes electric valves responsive to electrical signals and sensed brake pipe pressures to operate pneumatic valves to control the brake cylinder. The pneumatic valves are also operable independent of the electric control valves so as to allow braking with the electrical controls off or disabled. The unit can operate in combination with a complete brake control valve or with either or none of its emergency and service portions.

Abstract: An electric control valve for a heavy duty vehicle air parking brake system. The system uses latching electrically controlled solenoid air valves to control the parking brake systems of the tractor and trailer. The system allows electric control devices to be placed in the vehicle's instrument panel. The system maintains a previously set state of the system even in the event of a loss of electrical power to the controller. Indicator lamps provide park status information to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A vent valve made from a standard emergency brake valve portion. It includes an emergency portion body with an interface to be mated with the emergency portion interface of the pipe bracket. The body includes a casting with at least one cover and the casting including all the cast cavities and passages for an emergency portion. A vent valve selectively connects a first brake pipe port to a vent port on the body, A vent piston controls the vent valve and a discharge valve pneumatically controls the vent piston. An emergency piston is responsive to brake pipe pressure for controlling the discharge valve. The body does not include at least one of an in shot valve and an accelerated application valve.

Abstract: A brake control unit having a brake cylinder valve (62), equalization reservoir valve (82), brake signal valve (89), and brake back-up valve (182).

Abstract: A self-cleaning feature is provided for a trailer ABS modulator. Direct exhaust is provided through the piston or diaphragm to establish control line and control volume drain capabilities. This provides for moisture removal from the control line or control volume. Quick exhaust during normal service braking is also improved and, likewise, exhaust during the ABS mode is improved.

Abstract: In an electro-hydraulic braking system a housing is provided having at least three discrete housing portions (1, 2, 3), a first portion being adapted to contain electrical drive circuitry for said at least one actuator, the second portion being adapted to contain hydraulic flow passages to and from the electrically operated actuator, and the third portion being adapted to house one or more pressure sensors. On assembly of the housing, electrical contacts from the one or more pressure sensors in the third portion provide a connection between the one or more pressure sensors and the electrical circuitry contained in the first portion, and hydraulic passages extending from the pressure sensors in the third portion provide a connection between one or more pressure sensors and fluid passages in the second portion.

Abstract: A railway car brake system includes a pneumatic brake cylinder and a relay valve for controlling pressure in the brake cylinder. The relay valve is responsive to a pilot pressure which is generated by a pilot valve connected to the relay valve, the pilot valve including at least one piezoelectric element. The system also includes a controller connected to the piezoelectric element to control the pilot pressure and thereby control braking. The pilot valve releases braking upon loss of power to the at least one piezoelectric element to thereby provide a failsafe release of braking. The pilot valve may also include a first piezoelectric element for controlling fluid flow from a pressure source to the relay valve, and a second piezoelectric element for controlling fluid flow from the relay valve to atmosphere.

Abstract: A braking system for a towed vehicle having a hydraulic brake system wherein a continuously variable hydraulic pressure is generated to provide a corresponding and proportional brake force in the towed vehicle. A hydraulic pressure generator having an electric motor with variable electric input is employed to provide a corresponding a proportional hydraulic pressure by a hydraulic pressure generator, wherein the resulting variable hydraulic pressure is employed to provide a proportional braking force in the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A brake system for rail cars which contains an air powered fluid system, a means for providing a separate source of brake force, and a manifold connected to the air powered fluid system and the means for providing a separate source of brake force; the manifold simultaneously delivers pressurized fluid to two movable cylinders under certain conditions and in response to fluid flow from either the air powered fluid system or the means for providing a separate source of brake force; but when both the means for providing a separate source of brake force and the air powered fluid system are delivering fluid flow to the manifold, the brake system contains means for means for terminating the pressure from the separate source of brake force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic antilock brake system which comprises an electromagnetically actuated release arm capable of adjusting the position of a cam or other motion linkage to result in a controlled application of brake shoes to a brake drum. The invention further comprises a control system for controlling the actuation and release of the ABS.

Abstract: An electronically controlled brake system includes a brake actuator wherein a valve is electrically controlled to maintain the spring chamber in the non-actuated position during normal operation. However, should there be a failure in the electrical system, then the spring chamber is allowed to set the brake actuator. The “failure” could also include a diagnostic system included in the control which identifies a failure in control operation. In this way, should there be an electrical failure, either in the control or power circuits, the truck is stopped.

Abstract: A limp-in control arrangement for an electro-pneumatic integrated control system for railway vehicles including a supply and exhaust magnet valve for electrically controlling the pneumatic brakes on the railway vehicle, an electromagnetic relay for sensing the operational condition of the electro-pneumatic integration control system, a switching device for enabling a limp-in control function when the electro-pneumatic integrated control system is experiencing a malfunction, an operating device for initiating a limp-in control function by releasing and reapplying the pneumatic brakes to allow the railway vehicle to be moved to a repair facility.

Abstract: An electropneumatic brake control valve unit capable of operating at the interface of the emergency brake portion or the service brake portion of a standard brake control valve as a retrofit unit or operating as a stand alone electropneumatic unit. The unit includes electric valves responsive to electrical signals and sensed brake pipe pressures to operate pneumatic valves to control the brake cylinder. The pneumatic valves are also operable independent of the electric control valves so as to allow braking with the electrical controls off or disabled. The unit can operate in combination with a complete brake control valve or with either or none of its emergency and service portions.

Abstract: A system reliably communicates brake commands from a master controller on a lead locomotive to the brake equipment on each rail vehicle of a freight train. The system includes a mechanism for detecting whether the brake commands are being successfully communicated over a communications channel that is normally used to convey such commands from the master controller to the brake equipment on each rail vehicle. The system also includes on each rail vehicle a mechanism for communicating the brake commands that is independent of the communications channel. The mechanism for communicating conveys the brake commands from the lead locomotive to the rail vehicles only when the mechanism for detecting determines that communication over the communications channel has failed. The system further includes on each rail vehicle a mechanism for receiving the brake commands from the lead locomotive via the mechanism for communicating.

Abstract: An electronic braking system (WBS) suitable for commercial vehicles which tow trailers, which has on the towing vehicle, braking control of all the axles and a device for setting the braking demand for the trailer which is so adjusted as to equalize the utilization of adhesion between said towing vehicle and trailer. The system includes two adaptive control loops (30a, 30b) which are adjusted sequentially in a co-ordinated manner in order to set respectively the towing vehicle and trailer braking to levels where overall train mean decelerations approximate closely to those corresponding levels demanded by the driver and at the same time set the distribution of braking to seek to achieve equal utilization of adhesion between the tractor and trailer. The system also uses deceleration errors to sequentially adjust the two adaptive control loops.

Abstract: A brake system for rail cars which contains an air powered fluid system, a device for providing a separate source of brake force, and a manifold connected to the air powered fluid system and the device for providing a separate source of brake force; the manifold simultaneously delivers pressurized fluid to two movable cylinders under certain conditions and in response to fluid flow from either the air powered fluid system or the device for providing a separate source of brake force; but when both the device for providing a separate source of brake force and the air powered fluid system are delivering fluid flow to the manifold, the brake system contains a device for terminating the pressure from the separate source of brake force.

Abstract: An electrical braking system for a motor vehicle has a controller which detects the actuation of a service-brake operator element, determines therefrom at least one driver's braking input for the brake control, and supplies this set point value to control units for controlling the wheel brakes. This controller also detects the actuation of a parking-brake operator element, determines therefrom a parking-brake input of the driver, and links this parking-brake input with the braking input for the service brake to form the total braking input. An electrical braking system for a motor vehicle includes at least one control unit which is allocated to at least one wheel brake. The controller controls an actuator for actuating the wheel brake on the basis of a setpoint value. The actuator has an electric motor and a locking device, in particular, a disengaging device. To actuate the wheel brake via the electric motor, the locking device is released.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system, method for controlling the hydraulic braking system, and a control system for controlling the hydraulic braking system are provided. The hydraulic braking system may be applied to any kind of moving elements or systems. For example, this system can be used with wind turbines, conveyor systems, etc.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one main pneumatic duct, actuators for the service brake and the supplementary brake, at least one auxiliary reservoir connected to the main duct and at least one compact electropheumatic control assembly. This assembly has an inlet connector connected to the main duct, an inlet/outlet connector connected to the reservoir and further connected, within the assembly, the inlet connector to allow supply to the reservoir of air under pressure from the main duct, and a plurality of further inlet/outlet connectors connected to the service and supplementary brake actuators. At least at one pneumatic control circuit for controlling the service and supplementary brake is connected between the reservoir and the further inlet/outlet connectors and comprise a plurality of solenoid control valves and pressure sensors/transducers.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating pressure changes within a hydraulic system having a first reservoir and at least one second reservoir connected to the first reservoir via valves, including the following steps: (a) specifying a pressure differential between the first and second reservoirs; (b) calculating a volume exchanged within a specified time interval between the first and second reservoirs via the valve, on the basis of a value for the pressure differential that is valid at the start of the time interval; (c) calculating a volume to be exchanged between the two reservoirs to achieve equal pressures in them; (d) if the amount of the exchanged volume calculated in step (b) is greater than the volume to be exchanged as calculated in step (c), replacing the value of the exchanged volume with that of the volume to be exchanged; and (e) adopting the volume value obtained in step (d) as the change in the volume in the second reservoir and determining the pressure change in the reservoirs on the basis of

Abstract: An electropneumatic brake controller of the present invention including a main reservoir, pneumatic brake pipe relay and first and second restrictions connected in series with the main reservoir, the brake pipe relay and brake pipe and first electropneumatic valve connected in parallel to the second restriction. The second restriction is smaller than the first restriction. The first electropneumatic valve is responsive to an electric release signal to cut out the second restriction. When the two restrictions are in series, this is the running mode whereas when the second restriction is cut out, this is the release mode. A control unit controls the electropneumatic valves to produce an overcharge cycle in response to a release brake signal. This cycle includes overcharging the brake pipe, holding the overcharged condition for a fixed period of time and bleeding to a normal release brake pipe pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adjusting a predetermined, variable braking pressure in the wheel brakes of a brake system, in which the input quantities which determine the braking pressure in the individual wheel brakes are ascertained in a control and data-processing system, and actuation times of hydraulic valves, setting signals of actuators, etc., are established. These input quantities preferably reproduce the pressure, the pressure fluid volume, or the wheel slip. The input quantities and their time derivatives are weighted for the individual wheels and added in a pressure controller. The sum is further processed in a non-linear transmission element.

Abstract: In a brake by wire system, a linear differential pressure control valve is provided to control accurately wheel cylinder pressure. A brake fluid conduit extending from a reservoir is branched out into two conduits, each of which is transmitted to each of right and left wheel cylinders. A linear differential pressure control valve is disposed in the conduit and an another linear differential pressure control valve in each of the branched out conduits. Brake fluid sucked from the reservoir by a motor pump is discharged to each of the branched out conduits between the valve and the wheel cylinder. The two valves thus connected in series are operative step by step to control the wheel cylinder pressure in accordance with the current commanded in response to brake pedal depression.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the brake system of a vehicle consisting of at least two component vehicles is described, where the brake system of the second component vehicle is controlled from the first component vehicle. The first time the brake pedal is actuated or the first time the brake pedal is released after the braking force has been built up, actuation pulses for the brake system of the second component vehicle are formed, which are derived from the application point of the brakes of the second component vehicle.

Abstract: A portable device permits testing of an EOT unit of a two-way end-of-train (EOT) radio telemetry system. During the test, the EOT unit may be mounted to and fully installed on the railcar on which it is to be used. The portable device includes a microprocessor unit, a display, and a transceiver that enables the invention to communicate with the EOT unit. The portable device also includes a mechanism for authorizing the portable device to communicate with the EOT unit. Used to control the overall operation of the portable device, the microprocessor unit operates the transceiver in cooperation with the aforementioned mechanism so as to authorize the portable device to communicate with the EOT unit according to an arming procedure. The microprocessor unit also operates the display on which the progress and completion of the arming procedure is indicated.

Abstract: A service brake for a vehicle, having two brake circuits which can be acted upon by pressurized fluid by way of a vacuum brake booster and a dual brake master cylinder, has at least one switchable device for changing the hydraulic pressure intensification by which, in the event of a failure of the brake booster, the pressure of the brake fluid is increased in each of the two brake circuits.

Abstract: A brake control system determines utilizes a sensed amount of brake travel and a sensed amount of master cylinder pressure in determining a base brake control signal for an electro-hydraulic brake management system. The system also provides a springer function to provide an appropriate amount of brake jump-in, based on vehicle velocity and pedal travel. For pure brake-by-wire systems that have no hydraulic components, brake force is substituted for master cylinder pressure in determining a base brake control signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a level control system for a motor vehicle wherein the controllable valves (8a to 8d and 10) are controlled by a first control unit (24). The first control unit (24) transmits a signal to a second control unit (36) at time intervals. If the second control unit (36) does not receive the signal expected from the first control unit, then the second control unit (36) assumes the control of the valves (8a to 8d and 10) in such a manner that the motor vehicle is transferred into a dynamically safe driving condition.

Abstract: A brake force control apparatus which can quickly supply pressurized brake fluid to wheel cylinders immediately after a condition for starting a brake assist control is established. The brake force control apparatus has emergency brake determining structure for determining an emergency brake operation performed by a driver, a high pressure source for generating a fluid pressure which is higher than a fluid pressure generated by a master cylinder, and a supply for supplying brake fluid from the pump to a wheel cylinder based on the determination made by the emergency brake determining structure. Actuating structure is provided for actuating the high pressure source before the fluid pressure is supplied by the supply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for low power ECP brake emulation in a freight train having ECP equipped cars and one or more non-ECP equipped locomotives wherein power for the ECP equipment is provided by the 74 VDC locomotive battery. The apparatus includes an adapter for interfacing the locomotive MU cable and the ECP wire to supply sufficient power to operate the ECP equipment on each car indefinitely in a low power emulation mode. The method includes interfacing the locomotive MU cable to the ECP wire, implementing a low power emulation mode wherein pneumatic signals sent via the brake pipe are detected by pressure sensors and communicated to ECP control valves for changing the brake cylinder pressure accordingly. The method further includes minimizing power consumption by providing power only to the brake pipe sensors and minimal electronics to monitor pressure changes and thereafter activating other sensors and controls only as needed.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic brake control valve for performing electronic emulation is provided wherein multiple electronic valves control braking operations on freight cars. Multiple pressure sensors are preferably used, and particularly a brake pipe pressure sensor for detecting pneumatic brake commands. In addition to using electronic valves to control brake application and release operations, an electronic quick service valve can selectively exhaust brake pipe to the atmosphere in a controlled rate and amount to assist the propagation of a quick service application and an electronic accelerated release valve can selectively connect emergency reservoir to brake pipe to assist in restoring brake pipe pressure and in propagating a direct release of the brakes. The electro-pneumatic control valve also preferably includes a microprocessor for signal and command interpretation and valve control.

Abstract: An invention relates to an electrically controlled braking system which is intended for use on a wheeled vehicle and has input means which can be actuated by a driver of the vehicle in accordance with the desired braking effect, two electronic control units, which operate independently of each other and each of which can be supplied with an electrical signal corresponding to the extent of actuation of the input means, which can be recorded by a sensor, a brake cylinder assigned to a wheel and a braking pressure modulator valve which is fluid-connected to the brake cylinder and has a first electric actuating element, which can be activated by a first of the two control units. To make the braking system very safe, the braking pressure modulator valve has a second electric actuating element which acts in the same direction when activated, as the first electric actuating element.

Abstract: An electronic brake management system for controlling the application of fluid pressure to the brakes associated with wheels on a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of hydraulic valves for controlling the application of fluid to the brakes and a plurality of valve drivers for controlling the valves in accordance with respective electrical control signals for the plurality of valves. The system further includes a valve pulse width modulation controller for generating the respective electrical valve control signals applied to the valve drivers. The electrical valve control signals from the pulse width modulation controller are modulated to reduce the amount of electrical power supplied by the individual ones of the electrical signals once the valve associated with the one of the electrical signals has changed its opening to a desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for braking a set of aircraft wheels, the apparatus comprising a normal hydraulic circuit and an emergency hydraulic circuit, both circuits leading to each of the various brakes via associated brake valves. According to the invention, the brake valves of the normal circuit and/or of the emergency circuit are constituted by direct drive valves that are electrically controlled by an associated electronic control unit.

Abstract: A conversion system enables a locomotive equipped with a conventional pneumatic brake control system to control braking on a train whose railcars each have electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake equipment. The conversion system includes a power conversion mechanism, a signal conversion mechanism and two pressure reduction circuits. The power conversion mechanism converts battery voltage received from a power trainline of the locomotive to a predetermined nominal voltage. Made available to an ECP trainline that runs along the railcars, the predetermined nominal voltage is used to power the ECP brake equipment on each railcar in the train. The signal conversion mechanism converts the pneumatic brake commands carried in the brake pipe of the locomotive into electrical brake commands corresponding thereto. Transmitted along the ECP trainline, the electrical brake commands control the ECP brake equipment on each railcar and the braking effort deliverable thereby.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire control system for aircraft brakes is presented. The system includes a hardware based discrete component control path and a software control path, the two operating in parallel. Each of the paths monitors the same input, with the hardware path being configured to enable the shutoff valve driver and the software path being configured to inhibit the shutoff valve driver, depending upon the status of the inputs. As a consequence, a failure in a single path in the braking system cannot enable the brake system so as to allow for inadvertent braking.

Abstract: A park brake release apparatus includes a service brake valve assembly operably connected to a service brake piston. A one-way valve is operably connected between the service brake piston and a park brake piston to allow fluid to flow from the service brake circuit to the park brake piston to release a park brake.