November 19th, 2006
WEST CHESTER, PA - Nov. 19 - Pennsy Corporation has upped the ante for the reliability of air hose supports with their newest polymer Air Hose Support Strap featuring a new, industry-leading gladhand clip design.

Undesired emergency train braking is all too common in heavy haul and costs the industry millions each year in delays and damages. Failed air hose supports and the resulting hose separations have long been known as the leading cause for these stoppages.

Research of failed supports from various manufacturers has shown that approximately 70% of air hose support failures result from the common design of the spring wire gladhand clips. The typical shape of the clip makes it prone to rotating within the gladhand hole as the hose and support cycle between slack and tensioned states in transit. Once in a rotated position, the clips are susceptible to lateral loading - a condition for which they were not designed - and a greatly increased potential for failure. To combat this Pennsy engineers have designed a support clip that resists gladhand rotation to avoid this all too common mode of failure.

The new clip design is paired with an advanced polymer strap material that resists premature failure from environmental and UV degradation typically seen with rubber materials and it will not fray like braided steel cable. The material exceeds AAR requirements, offering the necessary flex for the support application without exhibiting the permanent stretch of other materials that require frequent adjustments to maintain proper hose height.

To find more information or to obtain a product sample, contact Pennsy Corporation at (610) 692-8618 or visit them on the web at www.pennsy.com