SPRING BRAKE ACTUATOR RELEASE TOOL

摘要

A brake release tool incorporates a two-part structure wherein a portion accessible from outside the brake actuator does not move axially away from the brake actuator during caging. In this way, less room is necessary outwardly of the brake actuator housing than has been required in the prior art. An operator turns an outer bolt (38), which turns a threaded inner nut (42). The threaded inner nut moves axially to contact a piston, and moves the piston to cage the power spring. The bolt need not move axially outwardly. In further embodiments, structure is provided which is visible from outwardly of the brake chamber that provides an indication of when the brake is fully released. In one embodiment the structure is a pop-up indicator (120) that extends outwardly of the housing when it is at least partially caged. The indicator is pulled inwardly when the spring has been fully released. In a second embodiment, a dual threaded release bolt (142) is utilized. The bolt extends outwardly of the housing, then an indication is provided that the spring has not been fully released.