A control system can include a controller that may obtain a location of a phase break along a route. The controller can monitor locations of a vehicle and determine when the vehicle will reach the phase break location. The system also may include a switch proximate to a collector device of the vehicle and/or an actuator that moves the collector device relative to a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway may operate to supply electrical power to the vehicle. The controller can actuate a switch, an actuator, or both the switch and the actuator, and (upon activation) can change a source of power for one or more loads for propulsion of the vehicle through the location of the phase break along the route.

A brake control system includes an interface controller configured to communicate with different control paths of sources for control of a brake system of a vehicle system. Each of the control paths is configured to communicate a control signal from a different source of the sources to control operation of the brake system. The interface controller is configured to arbitrate between the control signals concurrently received from the different sources via the control paths to dictate which of the different sources controls operation of the brake system at different times and prevent control by other sources of the different sources from concurrently controlling the operation of the brake system.

A brake control system includes an interface controller configured to communicate with different control paths of sources for control of a brake system of a vehicle system. Each of the control paths is configured to communicate a control signal from a different source of the sources to control operation of the brake system. The interface controller is configured to arbitrate between the control signals concurrently received from the different sources via the control paths to dictate which of the different sources controls operation of the brake system at different times and prevent control by other sources of the different sources from concurrently controlling the operation of the brake system.

A system for controlling centralized brake of vehicles, comprising: a pressure collection device for collecting the pressure of a main blast pipe and a train pipe control device. The pressure signal output end of the pressure collection device is connected to the pressure signal input end of the train pipe control device; the brake signal input end of the train pipe control device is connected to the brake signal output end of a brake controller; the train pipe control device is pneumatically connected to the main blast pipe and a train pipe separately by means of an air channel. By means of the solution, the installation space of a trailer is reduced, and the costs are lowered. In addition, the change in the pressure of the train pipe is controlled by an automatic brake control system, the train can operate after being connected to an automatically air-braked coach, according to a brake request output by the brake controller and the detection of the real-time pressure of the train pipe, the change in the pressure of the train pipe is controlled, and a five-line control signal is used, so that flexible marshalling can be implemented.

A braking system and method control application of brakes disposed onboard vehicles using brake control devices. The vehicles are in a multi-vehicle system and are associated with different segments of the vehicle system. Brake commands are sent to the brake control devices. These commands direct the brake control devices of the vehicles to concurrently engage the brakes onboard the vehicles to different brake levels based on which of the segments that the vehicles are associated.

A braking system for slideway guided amusement vehicles providing both manual and automatic braking for the slideway guided amusement vehicles is provided. The braking system includes at least one brake handle, a first shaft fixed to the at least one brake handle, a first gear concentrically positioned on and free to spin independently of the first shaft, an actuator fixed to the first shaft for providing a linear motion to a stop pin, an inlet opening on the first gear for receiving the stop pin, a second gear coupled to the first gear, concentrically fixed on a second shaft for mounting spinnably and extending horizontally to a chassis of a vehicle, at least one friction member attached to the second shaft, a tensioning means, and a control unit adapted to remove the stop pin from the inlet opening via the actuator.

A braking system and method control application of brakes disposed onboard vehicles using brake control devices. The vehicles are in a multi-vehicle system and are associated with different segments of the vehicle system. Brake commands are sent to the brake control devices. These commands direct the brake control devices of the vehicles to concurrently engage the brakes onboard the vehicles to different brake levels based on which of the segments that the vehicles are associated.

A brake control system to be installed on a railroad car, the system including: a brake command unit that outputs a first brake command by a first communication method and outputs a second brake command by a second communication method, the first brake command indicating details of control of a brake, the second brake command restricting details of control of the brake; and a brake control unit that acquires the first brake command by the first communication method via a train control and monitoring system, acquires the second brake command by the second communication method, and controls the brake based on the first brake command and the second brake command.

A system includes a carriage configured to move along a rail. The system also includes a clamping brake configured to selectively allow and prevent movement of the carriage along the rail. The clamping brake includes multiple brake pads configured to be moved inward to lock onto the rail and to be moved outward to release the rail. The clamping brake also includes multiple springs configured to apply spring forces that cause the brake pads to move inward and lock onto the rail. The clamping brake further includes a camshaft coupled to or including multiple eccentrics. The eccentrics are configured to overcome the spring forces and cause the brake pads to move outward and release the rail.

Methods, systems and a kit for indicating brake air pressure status in brake pipes of multiple interconnected train cars are provided. The methods include operating at least one end-hose adapter per train car. Each end-hose adapter is mounted between a train car end hose and a brake pipe to be in fluid communication therewith and are configured to sense the brake air pressure in the brake pipe. Each end-hose adapter kit includes connections adapters for connecting either end to different parts of the train car system. The end-hose adapter provides a first visual indication when the brake air pressure is within an operable range and/or a second visual indication when the brake air pressure is below an operable value and is experiencing leakage.