Patent ID: 7731303

Claim:
An apparatus to enable automatic release of a railway vehicle hand brake system from either side of such vehicle, said apparatus comprising: (a) a source of fluid pressure engageable with such vehicle; (b) a release cylinder operable by fluid pressure connected to a hand brake mechanism, such hand brake mechanism engageable with a brake system disposed on such vehicle; (c) a two-position, three-way valve connected intermediate said source of fluid pressure and said release cylinder for causing said release cylinder to release such hand brake system; (d) a first valve actuator disposed on a first side of such vehicle and connected intermediate said valve and said source of fluid pressure for causing said valve to initiate communication of fluid pressure from said source of fluid pressure to said release cylinder; and (e) a second valve actuator disposed on an opposed second side of such vehicle and connected intermediate said valve and said source of fluid pressure for causing said valve to initiate communication of fluid pressure from said source of fluid pressure to said release cylinder.