Patent ID: 6840510

Claim:
In combination with a railway locomotive brake valve having at least one exhaust valve assembly, at least one spring housing, and at least one range spring disposed intermediate a pressure regulating means and a diaphragm, the improvement comprising a device for providing damping capabilities, whereby said device will minimize spring oscillation during operation of said locomotive brake valve, said device including: (a) a donut shaped element having a predetermined size and shape and formed from a predetermined material, said donut shaped element having a central opening to permit engagement with said at least one exhaust valve assembly; and (b) a plurality of legs having a predetermined size, shape and material attached solely at one end thereof to said donut shaped element adjacent an outer periphery thereof for engagement with said range spring to minimize oscillation when said device is disposed about said range spring, said plurality of legs are attached to said donut shaped element at a predetermined angle, said predetermined angle between said plurality of legs and said donut shaped like element being always greater than 90°.