Patent ID: 7104365

Claim:
An indicator device for determining acceptable limits of travel of a linearly expandable air-bag type brake actuator for railcar brakes, said brake actuator being mounted on a truck bolster of the railcar and having interconnecting mechanical linkage for actuation of a railcar brake mounted on the truck adjacent the railcar wheels, said brake actuator further including a first measuring plate fixed relative to the truck bolster and a second measuring plate disposed at the movable end of the brake actuator for movement therewith upon linear movement of the brake actuator, said indicator device comprising an indicator arm having an indicator portion for indicating the extent of travel of the second measuring plate upon actuation of the brake actuator, said indicator device further including a mounting arm joined to the indicator arm, said mounting arm extending in a direction transversely thereto, said mounting arm having an opening formed to receive the projecting edge portion of the first measuring plate and a flexibly resilient portion spaced from the opening, said flexibly resilient portion having an interlocking projection, and said first measuring plate having an aperture, said interlocking projection being positioned to interfit within said aperture when the projecting edge portion is seated within said opening for locking said indicator device in position to indicate whether the brake actuator is within said acceptable limits of travel.