Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system for a towed vehicle. The system comprises a weighted pendulum pivotally attached to the towed vehicle and having a swing path in the direction of travel of the towed vehicle; and a structure for translating the pivoting travel of the weighted pendulum to straight line travel of the brake pedal responsive to relative motion between the weighted pendulum and the towed vehicle. The structure for translating is a v-shaped pedal operating member secured to the towed vehicle brake pedal.

Abstract: A railway freight brake system for operating vehicles in a train wherein each vehicle responds in braking situations as if its effective net braking ratio was a desired train net braking ratio. Embodiments include vehicles receiving a brake signal and utilizing either a received train net braking ratio or utilizing a stored on-board train net braking ratio to control pneumatic equipment on-board the vehicle to produce brake forces on the vehicle generally corresponding to the net braking ratio of the train. Some embodiments use a common train line control to communicate both train net braking ratio and brake signals to the individual vehicle. Individual vehicles can receive periodic or initial train net brake ratio values.

Abstract: A braking apparatus engages the brakes of a towed vehicle and is actuated by the engaging the brake of the towing vehicle. A pivotally mounted foot pedal engaging member attaches to the floor of the towed vehicle and depresses the brake pedal of the towed vehicle when actuated. A pneumatic cylinder forces the engaging member to depress the brake pedal when air is supplied to the cylinder. Air is supplied from air brakes in the towing vehicle or from another pressurized air source. Air to the pneumatic cylinder matches the force of the towing vehicle if equipped with air brakes, or is controlled by a flow regulator and pressure regulator.

Abstract: A towing/towed vehicle braking system translates towing vehicle braking fluid pressure into air pressure. An actuator is driven by this air pressure to depress the towed vehicle brake pedal in response to an elevated level of towing vehicle brake fluid pressure. A three-way valve controlled by the brake light wire of the towing vehicle releases the air pressure in the conduit when the towing vehicle brakes are released.

Abstract: A system that allows a driver of a towing vehicle to control self contained brakes of towed vehicle thorough application of towing vehicle brakes. When driver applies towing vehicle brakes and brake light switch is activated a solenoid in conjunction with compressor and air tank in towed vehicle releases air pressure to an air cylinder depressing towed vehicle's brake pedal. If the towed vehicle detaches from towing vehicle while traveling a second solenoid will be activated by a breakaway switch to bring the towed vehicle to a rapid stop.

Abstract: A control unit includes several magnet and air piloted valves, a transducer, a transmitter, a pressure switch and a pipe network. Controlled by a central controller, the apply and release valves allow a first trainline to charge the pipe network or vent to atmosphere whereas the emergency release valve can vent a second trainline to atmosphere. The transfer valve connects the first trainline to a command port of the control unit unless its pilot port receives an emergency braking request in which case it connects the pipe network to the command port. The transducer converts pressure in the first trainline to an electrical signal. The transmitter conveys this signal to a control bus. The pressure switch closes if the second trainline charges to a preset pressure. Upon closure of the pressure switch and a command from the controller, the charging valve allows the pipe network to charge the second trainline to a threshold level.

Abstract: A trailer or towed vehicle braking system incorporates a master hydraulic cylinder, the piston of which is biased to apply pressure to the slave cylinders in the braking system and wherein an electric high torque mechanism, when operated at high electric power, overcomes the biasing force to apply no pressure to the slave cylinders. When the electric power to the high torque system is reduced, the pressure applied by the master cylinder is increased. The amount of electric power applied to the high torque motor is preferably controlled based on the braking pressure being applied in the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The present trailer brake device is a portable, quickly and easily installable and removable assembly which secures to the existing conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a towing vehicle to provide for the attachment of a trailer to the towing vehicle. A telescoping component actuates a hydraulic brake master cylinder when the assembly is compressed, as when the brakes of the towing vehicle are applied and the inertia of the trailer (or towed vehicle) applies a compressive force to the device. The brake master cylinder of the device is connected to the hydraulic brakes of the towed vehicle or trailer, thus automatically actuating them proportionally to the amount of force being applied by the towed vehicle to the brake device. The present device includes adjustment for the initial brake application as well as for the braking force applied to the trailer brakes by the master cylinder, and is quickly and easily adjusted to preclude trailer brake actuation during backing maneuvers.

Abstract: A railway freight brake system for operating vehicles in a train wherein each vehicle responds in braking situations as if its effective net braking ratio was a desired train net braking ratio. Embodiments include vehicles receiving a brake signal and utilizing either a received train net braking ratio or utilizing a stored on-board train net braking ratio to control pneumatic equipment on-board the vehicle to produce brake forces on the vehicle generally corresponding to the net braking ratio of the train. Some embodiments use a common train line control to communicate both train net braking ratio and brake signals to the individual vehicle. Individual vehicles can receive periodic or initial train net brake ratio values.

Abstract: The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus includes a controller, and can also include a vacuum sensor and a vacuum pump. The vacuum sensor is communicatively coupled to sense the vacuum supply available to operate a trailer brake system that is interfaced to the tow vehicle's brake system to coordinate braking of the trailer and vehicle. The vacuum sensor generates a vacuum pressure level signal supplied to the controller. The controller periodically determines whether the vacuum pressure level is less than a first predetermined vacuum pressure level. If so, the controller activates the vacuum pump by generating a vacuum pump switch signal. On the other hand, if the vacuum pressure level is greater than the first predetermined level, the controller does not activate the vacuum pump switch signal.

Abstract: A railway freight brake system for operating vehicles in a train wherein each vehicle responds in braking situations to provide a generally uniform net braking ratio on all cars in the train. Embodiments include vehicles receiving a brake signal and utilizing either a received train net braking ratio or utilizing a stored on-board train net braking ratio to control pneumatic equipment on-board the vehicle to produce brake forces on the vehicle generally corresponding to the net braking ratio of the train. Some embodiments use a common train line control to communicate both train net braking ratio and brake signals to the individual vehicle. Individual vehicles can receive periodic or initial train net brake ratio values.

Abstract: A trailer braking system for applying hydraulic brake pressure to a trailer includes a master brake cylinder mounted to a flange body carried by the trailer frame. The master cylinder is hydraulically connected to the trailer brakes as well as to a feedback control cylinder. An electronic brake controller is electronically connected to an electromagnet positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from an iron bar carried by a control system lever. When the electronic brake controller forwards a signal to the electromagnet, it is energized and attracts the iron bar thereby moving the control system lever toward an energized stop. Movement of this control system lever forwards a signal to a control valve which exhausts air from an air spring. As air is exhausted from the air spring, an actuator lever and an interconnected actuator rod are moved toward the master cylinder. Movement of the actuator rod applies brake pressure to the trailer brakes, and also supplies pressure to the feedback control cylinder.

Abstract: A brake monitoring device for railroad cars is provided with a first comparison unit which compares the electrical brake power equivalent signal with a first standard value, judges whether or not electrical brake power is generated and closes the locomotive brake deficit check circuit with an interlock relay when such electrical brake power equivalent signal is smaller than such first standard value and which opens the locomotive brake deficit check circuit when it is larger. Such brake monitoring device also includes a second comparison unit which compares the electrical brake power equivalent signal with a second standard value which judges whether or not electrical brake power is supplied to the brake power of the trailer car. Such device closes the trailer car brake deficit check circuit with such interlock relay when the electrical brake power equivalent signal is smaller than the second standard value and opens the trailer car brake deficit check circuit when it is larger.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for actuating electric wheel brakes of a towed vehicle which includes a sleep mode.

Abstract: A pneumatic trainline control unit receives air from a first pneumatic trainline which it uses to charge and maintain pressure in a second pneumatic trainline. It also provides brake control pressure to a universal pneumatic brake unit on a rail vehicle upon receiving an emergency braking request from the second trainline. The pneumatic trainline control unit includes an air piloted transfer valve, an air piloted maintaining valve, a charging magnet valve, an emergency release magnet valve, a low pressure switch, an air piloted vent valve and a pipe network. The pipe network allows the first trainline to supply air to the transfer valve, the charging valve and the maintaining valve. The transfer valve features a transfer pilot port. It connects a command port of the pneumatic trainline control unit to atmosphere unless its transfer pilot port receives the emergency braking request in which case it connects the pipe network to the command port.

Abstract: A universal unit controls the brakes of a truck of a rail vehicle. The unit includes a service valve, an emergency valve, a variable load relay valve, a release valve, a local control device, a solenoid driver device and a brake assurance device. The service valve when opened provides a first control pressure. The emergency valve when opened provides a second control pressure. In response the control pressures, the variable valve provides to the brake cylinder a load compensated pressure proportional to air spring pressure. The brakes then apply to the wheels of the truck a force that accounts for the load borne by the rail vehicle. The release valve when opened prevents the variable valve from providing the load compensated pressure. The local control device controls the control pressures according to a brake force command signal and a control pressure feedback signal. The solenoid device operates the valves in response to valve command signals received from the local control device.

Abstract: A railway freight brake method and apparatus for operating vehicles in a freight train having a locomotive and a number of railway freight vehicles wherein the individual railway freight vehicles can be controlled in a grade descending mode. When desired, such as when the locomotive transmits a grade mode signal to the individual vehicles, the individual vehicles can brake to produce a generally uniform net shoe force on the wheels of the vehicles. The generally uniform net shoe force can be limited on each vehicle to a value or ratio, such as a percentage of net braking ratio of the given vehicle. On-board calculations can be done in a microprocessor to calculate the vehicle brake cylinder pressure corresponding to the desired net shoe force. This calculation can be done using car parameters stored on-board the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for actuating electric wheel brakes of a towed vehicle which includes a zero adjusting circuit for a pendulum in an inertia sensor.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for actuating electric wheel brakes of a towed vehicle which includes a remote manual control.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system configured for use with a towed vehicle hydraulic brake system controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid provided to the brake as a function of an operator-selected input. A hydraulic pressure control manifold is coupled between a pump and the towed vehicle brake and controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the brake with a plurality of pressure relief check valves interconnected in a parallel hydraulic circuit between the pump and the brake. A plurality of on-off valves are connected in a series hydraulic circuit with the check valves. The pressure relief levels of the check valves correspond to a plurality of towed vehicle braking forces. An operator of a towing vehicle chooses a desired one of the plurality of braking forces through a selector switch.

Abstract: A vehicle brake controller includes a variable pulse-width modulator operating at a constant frequency and with a variable pulse width to provide control pulses to a MOSFET element which actuates vehicle braking. The controller further includes a visual indicator which displays different colors to representatively indicate the amount of current applied to the brakes, and also to indicate whether an operable connection exists between the electronic controller and the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing a condition of a hand brake system on a railway car which has both a hand brake system and a service brake system. The change of hand brake system is made in response to one or more of a group of predetermined conditions. The apparatus has one or more sensors for detecting predetermined conditions requiring a change in the hand brake system, and for generating a signal indicating need for a change. The signal is used to trigger an electromechanical device for operating a quick release mechanism for the hand brakes.

Abstract: A brake pipe sensing unit may be used with a universal pneumatic brake control unit of a rail vehicle. The brake pipe sensing unit includes a control reservoir, an auxiliary reservoir, a three state valve, a quick service valve, a brake pipe transducer and a transmission device. The control reservoir is used as a volume in which gas under pressure may stored and from which gas under pressure may be supplied. The auxiliary reservoir communicates with a supply port of the universal unit and with a first and a second route of the brake pipe sensing unit. The three state valve has a first pilot port in communication with a brake pipe of the rail vehicle, a second pilot port in communication with the control reservoir, and first and second exhaust ports both of which connect to atmosphere. The three state valve operates in an apply position, a release position and a lap position depending on the pressure bearing on the first and second pilot ports.

Abstract: A brake assurance module assures braking on at least one truck. It includes a summer, a level circuit, a delay circuit, an emergency driver, a valve driver and a timer circuit. The summer sums friction and dynamic braking signals into a total braking signal. The level circuit generates a threshold signal when the total braking signal exceeds a threshold. The delay circuit generates a level signal after having received the threshold signal throughout a preset time. When the emergency driver receives an emergency signal, it conveys a detect signal. The valve driver controls contacts each in series within a control line used to energize a valve whose operation is normally controlled by the brake control system. The valve driver when activated closes the contacts thereby permitting the system to control the valves. When deactivated, the valve driver opens them thereby preventing the system from controlling the valves. The timer circuit has set, trigger and reset inputs.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: An electronic pneumatic brake system for trains which significantly improves brake cylinder pressure build-up time and facilitates essentially instantaneous and simultaneous braking on all cars of the train. The electronic pneumatic brake system includes electronic pneumatic control valves on the cars which individually control the braking on each car or a pack of cars and which are regulated by an electronic pneumatic controller on each car that receives electronic braking and release signals by way of wireless communication from an electronic head end unit on the lead locomotive, or where no head end unit is provided in the locomotive, receives pneumatic braking signals through the brake pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a towed vehicle brake system and more particularly to a brake control system which slaves the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. The system is preferably utilized with existing hydraulic braking systems of the towing and towed vehicles, although the concepts of the disclosure can be adapted to other types of braking systems. The system is easily mounted and removed from both the towing and towed vehicles. When utilized with hydraulic braking systems, the existing hydraulic systems are not penetrated by the disclosed system.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: The brake energy balancing system balances brake torque of braking wheels of a vehicle having a plurality of cars carried by trucks, for applying and controlling the brakes of each group of braking wheels of the trucks of the vehicle. Brake torque is measured, a command brake torque signal is generated that is limited by a reference torque signal, and the command brake torque signal is compared with the measured brake torque to generate brake torque difference signals. An energy balancing brake application control signal is provided to the brakes in response to the brake torque difference signals.

Abstract: A brake pipe pneumatic valve attachable to an end of a railway vehicle having a first flexible air hose for transmitting brake pipe pressure, and the end-of-train device with a second flexible air hose. The valve includes a housing having first, second, and third ports. The first port is releasably connectable to the first flexible air hose; the second port is releasably connectable with the second flexible air hose; and the third port is releasably matable with a coupling connected to a helper locomotive brake pipe. The valve includes a piston that divides the housing into first and second chambers. The first chamber communicates with the first and third ports; the second chamber communicates with the second port. Also, the piston has a channel therethrough connecting the first and second chambers. The valve further includes first biasing means, disposed between the housing and the piston, for selectably urging the piston towards sealing the first port.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit (19, 25, 42, 80, 96) which is to be connected to a pressure supply line (20) and a control line (22) to enable priming of the control line (20) so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve (11) controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line (20) to the control line (22) for a predetermined time period to prime the control line (22).

Abstract: A method of controlling brakes of a car having electropneumatic brake valves, by determining the weight of the car and calculating the ratio of brake cylinder pressure to train brake command for the car using the weight of the car. Brake cylinder pressure is then determined using the brake train command and the calculated ratio and the brake cylinder pressure is controlled to the determined brake cylinder pressure. The ratio of the brake cylinder to pressure train brake command is calculated by first calculating a full service brake cylinder pressure for the pneumatic car and preferably using a fixed braking ratio. The rate of change of the brake cylinder pressure is also determined as a function of the weight.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit which is to be connected to a pressure supply line and a control line to enable priming of the control line so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line to the control line for a predetermined time period to prime the control line. Pressurized fluid from the branch supply conduit is directed longitudinally down the control line by a longitudinally arranged outlet so that substantially all of the fluid is directed to backfill the control line.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously applying brakes of a trailer when brakes of a towing vehicle are applied is described. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump which communicates with a vacuum booster in a braking system of the trailer thereby providing vacuum pressure to the vacuum booster. A servomotor is linked to an activating arm that moves a plunger that acts through the vacuum booster upon a master brake cylinder of the trailer. Upon activation, the servomotor provides force to move the plunger thereby sending braking fluid from the master cylinder to brakes in the trailer. A pedal position sensor communicates with a brake pedal in the towing vehicle, whereby the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle is sensed. An encoder communicates with the pedal position sensor. The encoder receives data from the pedal position sensor regarding the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle and encodes such data. A decoder communicates with the encoder and the servomotor.

Abstract: A pressure medium actuated braking system comprises a first (rear axle) braking circuit, a second (front axle) braking circuit, and a multi-circuit braking power imparting device, such as a motorcar brake valve. The motorcar brake valve produces first and second control signals for the first and second braking circuits. The first braking circuit has a first pressure medium storage container assigned to it, at least one braking cylinder, and a first control valve system which connects the braking cylinder to the first pressure medium storage container or to a pressure medium sink (atmosphere) depending on the first control signal. The second braking circuit has a second pressure medium storage container, first and second braking cylinders, and a second control valve system. The second control valve system comprises first and second control valves assigned to the first and second brake cylinders respectively of the second braking circuit.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for actuating electric wheel brakes of a towed vehicle in response to actuation of the brakes of an associated towing vehicle. The brake controller includes a sensor for producing a brake control signal which is representative of the desired braking of the towed vehicle. The controller also includes a microprocessor for responsive to the brake control signal for generating an output signal for actuating the electric wheel brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle train comprising a tractor and at least two trailers wherein each trailer has a brake sub-system. The brake sub-system includes a pressure transducer on the trailer responsive to pressure of a fluid pressure brake demand signals supplied thereto to provide an electrical brake demand signal and an electronic controller on the trailer responsive to the electrical brake demand signal to provide an electrical brake operating signal. The brake sub-system also includes a brake valve on the trailer responsive to the electrical brake operating signal supplied to the brake valve by the electronic controller to supply fluid to an actuator to operate a trailer brake under a brake pressure, from a primary source, determined in accordance with the electrical brake operating signal.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for actuating electric wheel brakes of a towed vehicle in response to braking of an associated towing vehicle. The controller includes a microprocessor responsive to the braking of the towing vehicle for generating an output signal for actuating the towed vehicle brakes in accordance with a brake response curve. The brake response curve can include a non-linear portion.

Abstract: The brake energy balancing system balances brake torque of braking wheels of a vehicle having a plurality of cars carried by trucks, for applying and controlling the brakes of each group of braking wheels of the trucks of the vehicle. Brake torque is measured, a command brake torque signal is generated that is limited by a reference torque signal, and the command brake torque signal is compared with the measured brake torque to generate brake torque difference signals. An energy balancing brake application control signal is provided to the brakes in response to the brake torque difference signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: A method and a device for electronically controlling or adjusting a brake system of a vehicle is proposed, in which brake system the characteristic braking curve of the trailer is adapted to a prescribed characteristic braking curve of the towing vehicle, in order to minimize the longitudinal forces between a towing vehicle and a trailer during a braking process, in such a way that the braking of the entire road train takes place in accordance with the prescribed characteristic braking curve of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-applied, mechanically-held brake assembly and a vehicle air brake system employing the same. The air brake system typically includes a push-pull or hand-brake valve for park and emergency applications, a treadle valve for service applications, reservoirs of air under pressure, and other valving and plumbing. The brake assembly applies and releases the brake upon the supply and exhaust, respectively, of air from a first pressure chamber. The brake assembly locks and unlocks the brake in an applied position by the exhaust and supply, respectively, of air from a second pressure chamber. The locking mechanism of the brake assembly is designed to compound the force of the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber with the force of the fluid pressure supplied to the second pressure chamber when unlocking the brake to compensate for back pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: A simplified integrated full-function valve for heavy duty brake systems comprising a valve body having individual ports for fluid communication with spring brake chambers, service brake chambers, pressurized-air reservoir and exhaust and for receiving pressurized control and supply air from respective sources thereof; internal passageways within the valve body providing selected fluid communication with the various ports; a plurality of valve modules within the valve body comprising a spring brake valve module, a relay valve module and a biased one-way pressure protection valve module, and disposed to selectively determine the fluid communications within the internal passageways and ports responsive to the respective positions of the valve modules; the port and related internal passageways for the spring brake chambers being fluid-communicatively-isolated from the reservoir, the service brake chambers and the control air, whereby the number of the internal passageways within the valve body is minimized; the

Abstract: A microprocessor based brake control system for a railroad car, wherein the car brake cylinder pressure is regulated in accordance with the specific design net braking ratio of the car and the actual car load weight in order to achieve consistent levels of retardation on the cars throughout the length of a train irrespective of such variables as design net braking ratio that otherwise influence car retardation. The actual level of retardation is increased on partially loaded or empty cars so that those cars share in the braking of a train. This is especially useful during grade braking.

Abstract: A trailer brake system includes a disc brake assembly for each wheel including apparatus to provide release of the brake pads from engagement with the rotor upon backing. In the preferred braking system, one master brake assembly is provided for braking one wheel and a slave brake assembly for braking a second wheel of the trailer; a self-contained hydraulic device being provided for moving the pads into and out of engagement with the rotor. Each brake assembly includes a stationary bracket for attachment to the axle and a caliper unit with the brake pads mounted by a single pivot pin on the bracket. A relief valve is engaged by the pivoting caliper unit to provide the release of the brake pads. The housing of the caliper unit is in two sections and mounted adjacent the top of the rotor.

Abstract: A braking system including a brakepipe control valve which controls pressure on a brakepipe in response to braking pressure signal from an electropneumatic converter. An electropneumatic cutoff valve connects the control valve to the brake pipe. A controller controls the converter and cutoff valve. A parking brake system and retarder control system are also included and are controlled by the controller.