Wabtec Holding Corporation

Fulmer Company, LLC

Leo A Eger

John Harold Parslow

A method of replacing a brush holder includes positioning a handle on the brush holder while the brush holder is connected to a support, rotating the handle relative to the brush holder in a first direction that is clockwise or counter-clockwise to connect the handle to the brush holder, removing the brush holder from the support by pulling the handle with the handle attached to the brush holder, rotating the handle relative to the brush holder in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction while pulling a trigger on the handle that moves a core in the handle upward in a cavity in the handle, and removing the handle from the brush holder.

Methods for mounting and replacing brushes

An assembly has a handle, a brush holder, and a support that connect and disconnect to each other using a locking mechanism. The handle reversibly connects and disconnects from the brush holder. The locking mechanism includes a connecting member on the brush holder that attaches to the handle by interaction of a locking flange on the connecting member with a pair of teeth inside of the handle. Insertion of the support within the brush holder extends a post on the support through the connecting member to interact with the handle and enable disconnection of the handle from the brush holder when the support is fully engaged by the brush holder. The locking mechanism prevents the handle from releasing from the brush holder before the brush holder is completely seated on the support.

Brush holder assemblies and methods for mounting and replacing brushes

Brush holder assemblies are detailed. The assemblies may employ rails, rather than boxes, for supporting brushes. They additionally may extend along all, or substantially all, of the lengths of the brushes for enhanced support of the brushes.

Brush holder assemblies

Brush spring assemblies for heavy-duty use are addressed. Such assemblies may include constant-force springs used to bias carbon brushes into contact with commutator surfaces. They additionally may include temporary capture mechanisms for the springs, allowing the springs to be retracted&#x2014;and retained in a retracted position&#x2014;while brackets containing the springs are inserted into brush holders. Post insertion, the capture mechanisms may be manipulated so as to release the springs, permitting the springs thereafter to bias brushes toward the commutator surfaces.

Brush spring retainers

Brush holder assemblies are detailed. The assemblies permit on-line brush replacement and are interchangeable with devices currently provided by original equipment manufacturers. As well, they allow use of brushes longer than those employed in existing on-line replacement assemblies.

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Murrysville, PA, United States of America

Leo A Eger