Patent ID: 9663092
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B60T,B61H

Claim:
1. A device for monitoring the status of a handbrake on a railcar which has a brake linkage for transferring a force from the handbrake to a railcar brake, said device comprising: a load bearing member configured to be inserted in the brake linkage so as to be tensioned by and transfer there through at least a portion of the force applied by the handbrake to the railcar brake; a strain gauge mounted on said load bearing member to measure the force being transferred through said load bearing member to the railcar brake; electrical circuitry in communication with said strain gauge for obtaining information regarding the status of the handbrake, said circuitry being configured to determine if the force measured exceeds a predetermined threshold level indicating that the railcar brake is on; and a power source electrically connected to said electrical circuitry for providing power thereto.