Abstract: A sliding gate structure for controlling discharge of material from openings defined at a lower end of a railroad hopper car. The openings are covered by a pair of gates which linearly move in guide tracks to discharge the material inside or outside of the rails depending on which gate is operated. Each gate is independently operated by an operative mechanism including a control system operable from a side of the hopper car. Each operative mechanisms include a pair of linkage assemblies which are operated by a linearly distendable driver. The linkage assemblies are connected to opposite sides of the respective gate to inhibit skewing of the gate relative to the guide tracks during gate movement. Movement of each gate is independently controlled through actuation of the control system from the side of the hopper car.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried cargo box has a normally upright gate hinged along its lower margin so as to swing outwardly. An operator system includes a cable track sector mounted at one end of the gate to rotate about an axis as the gate is swung. One end of that sector is coupled to the gate above its lower margin. A motive drive system is mounted on the underside of the cargo box, and a cable is coupled between the track sector and that drive system. The cable is routed between the track sector and the drive system, operation of the drive system working the track sector by means of the cable to effect the opening and closing movement of the gate.