Abstract: A hopper door operating mechanism includes an arcuate closing plate mounted on an internal shaft pivotably connected to the frame of the hopper door. An operating crank has one end connected to the internal shaft and the other end pivotably connected to a link arm. The link arm has motors pivotably connected at opposite ends of the link arm. The closing plate can be rotated to open the hopper door in either direction depending on the discharge direction. To open and close the closing plate in a first direction, the first motor is operated to move the link arm and rotate the closing plate while the second motor is maintained in a closed position to retain one end of the link arm as a fulcrum point. To open and close the closing plate in the opposite direction, the second motor is operated to move the link arm while the first motor is maintained in a close position to retain end of the link arm as a fulcrum point.

Abstract: A railroad ballast spreading system is provided for rail cars used to spread ballast about the rails. A plowshare is mounted beneath the rail car and is supported by a bracket arm connected to the rail car. A curved linkage is also connected to between the rail car and the plowshare. A hydraulic motor or other pressure fluid motor is connected to an intermediate point of the linkage to pivotably move the plowshare from a lowered position for spreading the ballast to a raised, stowed position. The linkage includes a curved crank arm and a curved link arm such that the linkage passes the toggle point between the lowered and stowed position to increase the stability of the plowshare in the stowed position.

Abstract: An actuator for a railway car gate assembly unit of the type having doors slidably carried by door guides provided in the gate assembly unit. Pressure fluid actuated motors are coupled between the doors and fixed points on the railway car for effecting sliding movement of the doors.

Abstract: A positioning system for remote operation of hopper doors of a railway car is provided including a radio frequency controller and a hydraulic drive system. The positioning system for each hopper car is supplied with pneumatic power from the locomotive. Pneumatic power is converted to electric power for the controller and hydraulic power for the door drives. The electrical power is a 12 volt DC system provide by a standard battery, which is charged by an alternator driven by an air motor. An air operated hydraulic pump is also connected to the pneumatic power source to supply hydraulic pressure to a valve manifold connected to a series of solenoid operated hydraulic valves. The solenoid operated hydraulic valves are, in turn, connected to hydraulic cylinders which operate doors on railway hopper/ballast or other type cars. The controller includes a receiver for receiving signals from a remote transmitter and operator station.

Abstract: A discharge arrangement for dispensing the contents of a hopper. The discharge arrangement is particularly suitable for use as an automated ballast door operating mechanism on a railroad hopper car transporting ballast for use in roadbed restoration. The hopper includes at least one discharge opening for discharge of the contents of the hopper. Discharge arrangements are installed over each hopper discharge opening to provide regulation of the discharge of the contents. Each arrangement includes a pair of doors. Locking means are provided by which both or either of the pair of doors may be locked closed. The positioning of the doors is automated in that a fluid motor is connected between the doors. The fluid motor may be actuated to partially or fully open a selected door to regulate discharge.