Who Invented the Air Brake?

The air brake was invented by George Westinghouse, an American inventor and entrepreneur. Westinghouse developed the air brake in the late 19th century as a way to improve the safety and efficiency of trains. Prior to the invention of the air brake, trains were equipped with a manual braking system that required each car to be individually braked by the conductor.

Westinghouse's air brake revolutionized the railroad industry by allowing the entire train to be braked simultaneously from one central location. This not only made trains safer to operate, but also reduced the amount of wear and tear on the tracks and rolling stock. The air brake quickly became a standard feature on all trains, and its design has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

For more information on George Westinghouse and the invention of the air brake, visit Encyclopedia Britannica.

Westinghouse's air brake system works by using compressed air to apply pressure to the brake pads on each car of the train. When the engineer applies the brakes, air is released from the train's reservoir, causing the brake pads to squeeze against the wheels and slow the train down. This system allows for quick and precise braking, making trains safer and more efficient to operate.

Today, the air brake is still the most widely used braking system in the railroad industry. While there have been some advancements in braking technology, such as the introduction of electronic braking systems, the basic principles of the air brake invented by George Westinghouse remain the same.

For more information on the history and evolution of the air brake, visit Railway Technical.

In conclusion, George Westinghouse's invention of the air brake revolutionized the railroad industry and has remained a vital component of train safety and efficiency for over a century. His innovative braking system has stood the test of time and continues to be a key feature of trains around the world.

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