Brake system and method
AssigneeUTD Incorporated
InventorsJohn L. Hill, Donald B. Harris, Joram Shenhar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims17
A system for actuating a brake on a train car, said system comprising:
- a first pneumatic device for releasing said brake;
- a second pneumatic device for setting said brake;
- a first spring controlled by said first pneumatic device, wherein said first spring engages and applies said brake;
- and
- a second spring controlled by said second pneumatic device, wherein said second spring maintains said brake in a released position.
A pneumatic system for actuating a brake on a train car, said system comprising:
- a first spring-loaded piston for releasing said brake, a first pneumatic valve for supplying air pressure from a local pressure source to move said piston to a brake release position by compressing said spring, and a second pneumatic valve for bleeding air from said piston to move said piston to a second position opposite said brake release position by decompressing said spring;
- a second spring-loaded piston for maintaining said brake in a disengaged position, and a third pneumatic valve for supplying air pressure from said local pressure source to said second piston;
- and
- a first signal valve for simultaneously operating said second and third pneumatic vales.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.