Patent ID: 6540049
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: B61H,Y10T

Abstract:
A gradual release mechanism for use in a hand brake device engageable with a railway car, said gradual release mechanism comprising:(a) an operating shaft for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally of said shaft; (b) a clutch flange portion disposed intermediate both ends of said shaft, said clutch flange having a clutch surface disposed at a first predetermined angle with respect to said axis extending longitudinally of said shaft; (c) a sleeve concentrically disposed and threadedly mounted on said shaft for rotational movement therewith, said sleeve having a clutch collar, said clutch collar having a clutch surface and radially opposed to said clutch surface of said clutch flange portion of said shaft; (d) an externally threaded surface on said shaft engageable with an internally threaded surface on said sleeve, said threads having a pitch between about0.60 inch and about 1.25 inch; (e) a ratchet wheel received about said shaft, said ratchet wheel having oppositely disposed conical clutch surfaces positioned for engagement by said clutch surface carried by said flange and said clutch surface carried by said clutch collar portion respectively; and (f) a pinion journaled on said shaft and adjacent said sleeve.