Abstract: A direct acting release cap for air brake control valves in trains which will allow for the manipulation of the valve characteristics from a direct brake release to a graduated brake release without removal of the cap from the body of the valve. This is accomplished through longitudinal movement of a spool, which directs internal air passages that control valve characteristics. The present invention eliminates the requirement of removing the direct acting release cap from the valve in order to change the working characteristics of the valve, thus resulting in a time savings for the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for initiating and latching a bail-off request for depleting the automatic brake pressure in the brake cylinders of a locomotive consist including a cab control unit having an automatic brake handle and an independent brake handle. A central processing unit receives a first input signal from the cab control unit which is indicative of the number of locomotives in the consist and receives a second input signal from the cab control unit which signifies a bail-off request. A display screen receives input signals from the central processing unit for exhibiting either a setup screen or a normal running screen in the locomotive. An electropneumatic unit receives an input signal from the central processing unit for initiating the bail-off of the automatic brakes on the locomotive consist when the independent brake handle is placed in a bail-off position.

Abstract: A valve spring housing for use in an adjustable regulating valve device of a railway locomotive brake valve has a cylindrical body with first, second and third sections. The first section has an outer cylindrical surface of a uninterrupted curvature, which first section can be threadedly secured to a valve pin housing, a recess to accept the end of a spiral spring, and a first flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The second section has a convex surface on the end thereof and a second flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The intermediate section is disposed between the first and second flanges and seats a sealing member between the flanges. A torquing tool acceptor, such as a transverse passageway is provided on the second section to enable threaded securement of the valve spring housing to a valve pin housing of a valve pin assembly in assembling the adjustable regulating valve device.