Abstract: Apparatus for venting a tarpaulin type covering which extends over an open top hopper car is provided by the present invention. An elongated member is adapted to be pivotally mounted near the top of the hopper bed and beneath the tarpaulin-like covering. The member is normally disposed in a parallel relationship with the overlying covering so as not to interfere with the latter and is movable into a venting position perpendicular to the covering whereby the latter is pulled away from the hopper bed. Lever means is coupled with the member and extends therefrom for effecting the pivotal movement of the member. An over center handle is coupled with the lever and serves to positively lock the member in its normal position. When the handle is moved to effect pivotal movement of the member, it may be placed in position to lock the member in its venting position.

Abstract: A hopper bed for grain or the like is provided by the present invention. An opening in the hopper bed is closed by a flat plate structure which is mounted on first and second track components disposed on either side of the opening. A flat flange portion is coupled with the structure on each side in longitudinal alignment with a track component. Each flange portion has a plurality of closely spaced aligned openings which are also aligned with two spur gears. The spur gears are rotated to mesh with the gear track presented by the openings in the flange and thereby reciprocate the plate structure to close or open it. This construction precludes the accumulation of most foreign material in the gear track although any which does accumulate is cleaned out by the action of the gear itself moving in the track.