Patent ID: 6609769
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
A graduated release valve for a rail vehicle having a pneumatic control valve, a brake pipe, at least one reservoir charged from said brake pipe, and a brake cylinder, said graduated release valve comprising:a. a metering valve controlling the exhaust of pressure from said brake cylinder generally responsive to changes in brake pipe pressure; b. a changeover valve selectively switchable between a direct release position and a graduated release position; c. wherein said metering valve is interposed for controlling the exhaust of pressure from said brake cylinder device in a graduated manner in said graduated release position; d. wherein said metering valve in said direct release position is isolated from said brake cylinders such that said pneumatic control valve controls the exhaust of pressure from said brake cylinder; and e. a brake pipe sensor valve communicating with said changeover valve and said brake pipe, said sensor valve controlling said selectively switchable changeover valve between said direct release position and said graduated release position.