Abstract: A vibration isolation mechanism for a coil spring, according to the invention, includes a spring retainer 24 that supports a return spring 20. The spring retainer 24 comprises a pedestal retainer 25 and a holding retainer 26. A seat winding portion 20a of the return spring 20 is elastically and firmly held between a holding portion 30a of the pedestal retainer 25 and holding portions 31a of the holding retainer 26. Accordingly, vibrations of the return spring 20 are forcedly damped, so that the generation of an abnormal noise caused by vibrations of the return spring 20 is suppressed even when a minute clearance is present between the seat winding portion 20a and a second turn portion of the return spring 20.

Abstract: A system or method for compensating for low vacuum levels in a brake-by-wire system includes continually monitoring the level of vacuum in a vacuum booster. The state or condition of the vacuum source is also monitored to determine whether it is on or off. When the vacuum source is off, the level of vacuum is measured to determine whether it is at or below a critical level. If the level of vacuum is critically low, the vacuum source is turned on. If the vacuum level is not critically low, the hydraulic boost gain is modified in order to provide more braking pressure in response to brake force exerted at the brake pedal.

Abstract: This brake system contains a braking pressure generator aggregate which influences the rear axle braking pressure so as to control the braking force distribution between front and rear axles in dependence on the static and dynamic axle load distribution and on other parameters resulting from the braking behavior. The braking pressure generator aggregate is connected to a tandem master brake cylinder and pressurized by an operating pressure, the braking pressure generator aggregate reduces in a ratio corresponding to a basic rating of the braking force distribution and makes available for basic rear axle braking pressure. The tandem master brake cylinder thus performs the major part of the braking operation at the rear axle. A vacuum servo drive is a part of the braking pressure generator aggregate and is activated in order to raise or lower the braking pressure at the rear axle above or below the basic braking pressure.

Abstract: To protect brake fluid against evaporation under extreme braking conditions, the brake fluid contained in the wheel brake cylinders is kept at a minimum pressure between 5 and 10 bar even after completion of a braking operation, thereby increasing the boiling point of the brake fluid. The wheel brake cylinders are designed as stepped cylinders with a counterpressure space, into which a likewise constantly kept counterpressure can be introduced, which maintains equilibrium with the admission pressure prevailing in the inlet pressure space of the respective wheel brake cylinder. A non-return valve arrangement, connected between the brake booster and the inlet pressure spaces of the wheel brake cylinders, blocks the return of the brake fluid to the brake booster when the pressure differential between the wheel brake cylinders and the brake booster drops below a threshold value P.sub.S.

Abstract: Release valve apparatus capable of being actuated by the vacuum that can be created in a main air line (1) for indirect air brakes of rail vehicles, comprising a release valve (12) in a connection (pipes 8, 9) from the brake control valve (3) to the brake cylinder (10). The release valve (12) contains a piston controlled two-way valve (24, 27, 28), which unblocks the passage in the off position of the release valve (12). In the actuated position, on the other hand, it blocks passage and vents the connecting segment (pipe 9) on the brake cylinder side. The piston (13) of the release valve (12) is loaded in the off position operating on a smaller piston area by main air line pressure, and by opposing pressure in an admission area (15) which is under atmospheric pressure in the off position and during the switching process to the operating position, and in this position is impacted by pressure in the connecting segment (pipe 8) leading to the brake control valve (3).