Final answer:
The term that does not refer to a subway car coupler is 'Air brake coupler.' Knuckle, automatic, and drawbar couplers are all types of mechanisms used to connect vehicles in a train, while air brake systems are designed for stopping the train.
Step-by-step explanation:
The designation which does NOT refer to a subway car coupler is Air brake coupler. Here's a brief explanation of the other terms:
- Knuckle coupler: A common type of coupler used in North America for connecting railroad cars, including subway cars.
- Automatic coupler: A coupler that automatically locks together without the need for manual labor when cars are pushed together.
- Drawbar coupler: A type of coupler where a drawbar is attached to a hook-like device to connect cars.
Air brakes are used to stop the train and are a separate system from the coupling mechanism. Couplers are mechanisms for connecting vehicles in a train, while air brake couplers specifically refer to parts of the air brake system rather than the coupler that joins cars.