Set and release hand brake with automatic brake application device

The present invention is predicated upon the use of an apparatus that is engageable with a hand brake assembly (20) which will automatically apply at least one brake means secured to a railway vehicle with such hand brake assembly. The apparatus of the invention comprises an operating means (30) having at least a portion thereof engageable with at least one gear of a gear assembly disposed in a housing member of the hand brake assembly for operating such gear assembly. A source of fluid pressure (50) is connected to operating means (30) for periodically supplying a predetermined pressure to such operating means (30). A control means (220 ,230, 240) is connected to the source of the fluid pressure for initiating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating means (30). A further control means (220 ,230, 240) is connected to the source of the fluid pressure for regulating the supply of such predetermined pressure to the operating means (30) thereby causing an automatic application of such brake means by the hand brake assembly. An additional control means (220 ,230, 240) is connected to the source of the fluid pressure (50) for stopping an automatic application of such brake means in case of the emergency or a reversal of the unintented activation.