Steam-brake.
（Railroad-engineering.) A device for bringing the power of steam under pressure to act upon the car-wheels and stop their motion. It has been applied in many ways:— By mechanical devices connected between the cars of a train, and actuated by the power of the engine, or by a supplementary engine. By a steam-winch on the locomotive winding a rope or chain which passes throughout the length of the train and actuates devices under each car. By steam conducted by a pipe throughout the train and actuating pistons in cylinders beneath the cars, the pistons actuating the brake-levers. By air-pipe throughout the train connecting cylinders beneath each car with an air-exhaust or air-pressure pump upon the locomotive. See brake; car-brake.
