Abstract: A slide gate assembly includes a mounting plate with a through opening and an upper surface, and a top plate with a through opening and lower surface, wherein the through opening of the top plate aligns with the through opening of the mounting plate. A slide plate is mounted between the lower surface of the top plate and the upper surface of the mounting plate, wherein the slide plate is slidable between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the closed position the slide plate blocks material passage from the opening of the top plate to the opening of the bottom plate, wherein, in the open position, the slide plate permits material passage from the opening of the top plate to the opening of the bottom plate.

Abstract: Methods, systems and a kit for indicating brake air pressure status in brake pipes of multiple interconnected train cars are provided. The methods include operating at least one end-hose adapter per train car. Each end-hose adapter is mounted between a train car end hose and a brake pipe to be in fluid communication therewith and are configured to sense the brake air pressure in the brake pipe. Each end-hose adapter kit includes connections adapters for connecting either end to different parts of the train car system. The end-hose adapter provides a first visual indication when the brake air pressure is within an operable range and/or a second visual indication when the brake air pressure is below an operable value and is experiencing leakage.

Abstract: An asphalt batcher has top and bottom coupling flanges that bolt to a silo, conveyor, and related apparatus. The batcher includes a receptacle for selectively receiving and retaining materials. The receptacle has a material splitter to divide material flowing into the batcher into at least two separate funnels. Adjacent to the outlet, each of the funnels have a receptacle side wall opening. At least one pair of removable batcher gate assemblies are readily inserted into and removed from the receptacle side wall openings. Each batcher gate assembly has a batcher gate door. The pair of batcher gate doors are placed offset from center, closer to the opposed outer walls, and open toward each other and therefore the center to guide materials from the batcher receptacle body out of the batcher and into the silo center. Receptacle side wall access doors provide inspection of and access to the two funnels.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an underframe and at least one hopper. The hopper is configured to transport a lading material. A longitudinal sliding gate assembly is coupled to the hopper and comprises: a pair of side walls coupled to a pair of end walls forming a discharge opening; a pair of tracks, one coupled to each end wall; a sliding gate slidably coupled to the pair of tracks; and a threaded drive screw coupled to the sliding gate and to the pair of side walls. Rotation of the threaded drive screw in a first direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to an open position that permits the lading material to discharge, and rotation of the threaded drive screw in an opposite direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to a closed position that restricts the lading material from discharging.

Abstract: A hopper door opening and closing apparatus operates a door on a hopper discharge opening. A pair of motorized linear actuators, each having an extendable rod, are mounted to support rails on opposite sides of the door. A bracket connects the rods to the door. A controller selectively activates the linear actuators to extend the rods and thereby move the door to an open position that permits material to flow through the lower opening and selectively activates the linear actuators to retract rods and thereby move the door to a closed position covering the lower opening.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a tank trailer for transporting meat packaging by-products. The tank trailer has a cylindrical body having a sloped rear end. An opening is formed in the sloped rear end, and a gate selectively blocks the opening. A locking mechanism is provided to securely lock the gate to the cylindrical body, thereby sealing the cylindrical body. The sloped rear end forms a chute through which meat by-products can be poured. The chute extends for a distance rearwardly of the trailer's rear wheel assembly.

Abstract: A road paver or a feeder having a chassis driven by a drive unit, and a material hopper arranged in the working direction at the front of the road paver or the feeder, the material hopper having a hopper side wall extending in the working direction and a discharge flap tiltable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the working direction, the discharge flap comprising a flap base and a flap side wall which extends next to the hopper side wall and is fixed to the flap base and supported to be moveable relative to the hopper side wall, a protective cover, which at least partially engages around the edge of the flap side wall, being arranged on the hopper side wall.

Abstract: A method for influencing gravitational discharge of material from a railcar gate assembly is arranged in material receiving relation relative to a hopper on the railcar. The gate assembly defines a discharge opening and includes a slide gate for controlling the discharge of material from the hopper car. A first portion of the gate assembly is operably disposed above the slide gate and a second portion of the gate assembly is disposed below the slide gate. An adapter is releasably suspended below the discharge opening for influencing the discharge of material from the second portion of the gate assembly.

Abstract: A railcar gate assembly is arranged in material receiving relation relative to a hopper on the railcar and includes a slide gate movable between a closed position and an open position relative to a discharge opening for controlling the discharge of material from the hopper car. From an operational perspective, a first portion of the gate assembly is operably disposed above the slide gate and a second portion of the gate assembly is disposed below the slide gate. A boot adapter is releasably suspended below the discharge opening for influencing the discharge of material from the second portion of the gate assembly. A method for influencing gravitational discharge of material from a railroad hopper car is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal is disclosed for retrofitting to an existing railroad hopper car having opposing sidewalls and at least one trough extending between the opposing sidewalls. The seal includes a first member configured to mate against a surface of a trough adjacent a sidewall, the first member including a first edge having angled sections corresponding to angled sections of where the sidewall meets the trough, and a second member integral with the first member and extending substantially upright from the first edge of the first member, the second member configured to mate against a surface of the sidewall adjacent the trough, wherein the second member is angled relative to the first member at each of the angled sections corresponding to angled sections of the sidewall adjacent the trough.

Abstract: A discharge assembly for a bulk materials rail wagon includes a closure assembly movable to open and close an opening. The closure member includes a cover member and stiffener having a web and flange. In one form an upper surface of the flange is raked. In one form the edge of the stiffener web extends along a concave path to reduce stress concentration in the closure member.

Abstract: A rail vehicle with a vehicle door connected to an associated door frame via a seal is provided. The seal as well as other mechanical components have to be lubricated. Therefore, a door region is equipped with at least one device for automatically dispensing lubricants for lubricating the seal and/or the mechanical components.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly including a rigid frame defining a generally rectangular discharge opening and a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling discharge of commodity from the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from the frame is arranged between a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame for restricting the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. A vertical distance of less than 7.5 inches separates the boot flanges from mounting flanges on the gate assembly frame whereby permitting a conventional unloading sled to fit under the gate assembly to discharge commodity therefrom. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open and closed positions. A lock assembly is also provided for inhibiting inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly having a frame defining a discharge opening and including a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling the discharge of commodity through the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from three sides of the frame is arranged beneath a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame further restrict the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. Less than 7.5 vertical inches separates a lower surface on the boot flanges from an upper surface on the mounting flanges of the gate assembly frame. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open an closed positions. Support structure further enhances rigidity and support for an end frame member through which the gate slidably moves.

Abstract: A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The closure members come together to a closed condition or position for retaining lading. When apart, in an open position or condition, lading may be discharged. A seal member or seal member assembly is mounted to one or both of the closure members. When open, the seal member or seal member assembly lies substantially flush with, or shy of, the slope of the surface of the closure member. When closed, the seal member may be self-energizing, in the sense that as lading is added the seal may tend to seal more tightly. The seal assembly may include a cantilevered spring that presents a land to the opposed closure member, and a fulcrum, over, or across, which the spring is cantilevered, such that pushing down on one end of the spring may tend to cause the other end to flex upward.

Abstract: A railcar operating shaft assembly including an operating shaft having first and second ends with a capstan provided at each end of the operating shaft. Each capstan defines an axis about which the capstan rotates and has first and second axially aligned end portions. One end portion of each capstan is releasably connectable to one end of the operating shaft. The second end portion of each capstan defines a socket opening to a terminal end of the second end portion of the capstan. The socket defined at the free end of the second end portion of the capstan is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capstan. An insert is configured for non-rotatable accommodation within the socket defined at the second end portion of each capstan. The insert defines a bore axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capstan and has a closed and non-circular marginal edge extending axially inward from the terminal end at the second end portion of the capstan.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car discharge gate is assembled from unitary stacked frames that provide unimpeded flow of lading during discharge. A low-wear glide system minimizes friction between the gate panels and other components of the apparatus, and an improved sealing system protects lading from contaminants such as rain, dust and insect infestation and provides enhanced vacuum sealing for greater efficiency during vacuum discharge.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly has upper and lower gate assemblies with independent drive mechanisms to open and close the gates. The drive mechanisms may be rack and pinion drives. The racks for the lower gate do not enter the gate cavity. The outlet gate assembly can be used for vacuum, gravity or pneumatic sled discharge. The vacuum openings are offset from the center plane of the discharge area to allow free flow of lading. The lower gate assembly includes surfaces that cover and protect the lowermost horizontal surfaces of the assembly when the lower gate assembly is closed. Thus, no separate mud plate is needed. The outlet gate assembly includes seals made of an ultra high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker, trailer, or other storage unit is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Movable locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members.

Abstract: A discharge gate assembly adapted to be secured in material receiving relation relative to a standard opening toward a bottom of a railroad hopper car. The gate assembly of the present invention satisfies AAR requirements and specifications and includes a rigid frame defining a ledgeless and generally square discharge opening which is sized substantially equivalent to the standard opening defined toward the bottom of the railcar whereby allowing commodity discharged from the opening in the railroad hopper car to pass through the gate assembly with minimum interference or obstruction thereby promoting the discharge of commodity from the railroad car. A gate is slidably movable between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on the gate assembly and is suspended, in a closed position, by a series of supports extending therebeneath.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening and a gate or first element slidably carried on the frame for controlling the discharge of material from the hopper car through the discharge opening. The gate assembly further includes a second slidable element carried by the frame in vertically spaced relation relative to the first element and extending across the discharge opening. A first drive mechanism including a first operating shaft assembly is mounted on the gate frame for slidably moving the first element relative to the frame. A second drive mechanism including a second operating shaft assembly is also mounted on the gate frame for slidably moving the second element relative to the gate frame. The operating shaft assemblies are mounted for rotation about independent fixed axes and in horizontally adjacent relation relative to each other.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly for a hopper type railway car includes a frame defining a discharge chute. Upper and lower gates are mounted in the frame. A compact rack and pinion opening and closing drive moves the upper gate between open and closed positions. The drive includes a pair of racks mounted on the lower surface of the upper gate and extending into the discharge chute through openings in the frame. The openings are sealed during transit and discharge of lading.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: An aerator pad for a railroad hopper car has a fabric body member that overlies an aeration assembly slope sheet. The body member has a perimeter portion with indentations formed in the edges thereof. A gasket is molded to the perimeter of the body member. Bolt holes in the gasket are spaced from the fabric so that no edge or perimeter portion of the fabric is exposed to atmosphere. The gasket is located between mating flanges of the aeration assembly and car body. Spacer buttons lift the body member off the slope sheet and a wear pad prevents vibration induced deterioration at the gas inlet opening in the slope sheet.