Abstract: A system and method for operating a ballast car hopper door includes logic and control circuitry, a hydraulic actuator, a door position sensor, and one or more sensors operable to measure system operational parameters. During normal operation of the hopper door the logic and control circuitry records the system operational parameters. In the event of failure, or absence, of the door position sensor the control circuitry compares real-time data to recorded data to maintain operation and correct positioning of the hopper door.

Abstract: A surface-mountable locking device includes a body within which is disposed: (1) a box configured to receive a pin and (2) a locking mechanism having a bolt configured to engage the pin when the pin is inserted into the box. Because the locking-mechanism bolt engages the pin within the box disposed in the body, the body protects the locking-mechanism bolt from tampering, creating a more secure lock than when the bolt is exposed. An adapter for attaching a chain link (or similar link) to the locking device is also disclosed. The adapter is configured on one end as a pin to engage the box and on the other end to engage a link.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ballast hopper car discharge door control system, comprising a control box, said control box comprises electrical pneumatic control system and receiving device; hydraulic system, connected to electrical pneumatic control system; manual control device and remote control device are operated to control opening or closing of ballast hopper car discharge doors; storage battery, configured to provide electrical pneumatic control system in said control box with continuous power supply and remote control device with charging power supply; pressure switch, arranged between control box and storage battery, said pressure switch is operated by pressure of air source to control connecting and disconnecting between storage battery and control box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading ballast along railways makes use of an inertial measurement system to determine where to apply ballast from a hopper car. A variety of techniques can be used to determine the location and speed of the ballast spreading train, including manual or automated visual techniques, laser technology, radar technology, radio frequency transponders, magnetic sensor, thermal imaging and aerial photogrammetry. The invention also contemplates “on the fly” surveys and terrain profiling using lasers or radar.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling discharge of commodity from a railcar having a hopper with at least two transversely spaced discharge openings and two laterally spaced and commonly joined pivotal doors arranged in registry with the two discharge openings. The control apparatus includes a transversely extending operating shaft and a linkage system operably connecting the operating shaft to the doors. A drive mechanism is operably connectable to the linkage system. The drive mechanism includes a powered driver for selectively operating the linkage mechanism to either simultaneously move the doors into their closed position or to simultaneously move the doors from their closed position. The powered driver of the drive mechanism is operably connected to a lever radially extending from the operating shaft. To releasably hold and maintain the doors in their closed position, a lock assembly is arranged in operable combination with the driver.

Abstract: Pivotally mounted doors forming the floor of a railroad car are prevented from opening inadvertently through not allowing air pressure to be applied to a door opening piston until the air pressure exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A GPS controlled multiple source material application or ballast spreading system includes tracking the position of a plurality of ballast hopper cars using GPS derived coordinates and controlling the opening of multiple ballast doors to spread ballast on desired sections of track for railroad maintenance. The process involves tracking the current hopper loads, the opened or closed state of the ballast doors, and the concurrent amount of ballast which has been spread on the desired track sections.