Abstract: A railroad hopper car discharge gate assembly has first and second elements arranged in vertically stacked relationship relative to each other for controlling discharge of material from a hopper car. First and second drive mechanisms move the first and second elements, respectively, between closed and open positions. A lock assembly including first and second locks serve to maintain the first and second elements, respectively, in a closed position. The gate assembly also includes a mechanical system for positively removing the first and second locks from a locked condition relative to their respective element upon rotation of either drive mechanism. A method for controlling discharge of material through an opening defined by the railroad hopper discharge gate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A railcar brake beam assembly including a brake beam formation having a tension member, a compression member and strut, and with the strut defining an axis for the brake beam assembly. First and second brake head assemblies are disposed to opposite lateral sides of the axis, with each brake head assembly being operably carried by the brake beam formation and includes a guide member extending in a direction away from the axis. The first and second brake head assemblies are generally centered laterally relative to the axis of the brake beam assembly. A distal end of the guide member on the first brake head assembly is disposed a different lateral distance from the axis of the brake beam assembly than is a distal end of the guide member on the second brake head assembly to minimize lateral shifting movements while maintaining adequate clearances for permitting reciprocal moments of the brake beam assembly during application of braking forces.

Abstract: A railcar brake beam assembly including a brake beam formation having a tension member, a compression member and strut, and with the strut defining an axis for the brake beam assembly. First and second brake head assemblies are disposed to opposite lateral sides of the axis, with each brake head assembly being operably carried by the brake beam formation and includes a guide member extending in a direction away from the axis. The first and second brake head assemblies are generally centered laterally relative to the axis of the brake beam assembly. A distal end of the guide member on the first brake head assembly is disposed a different lateral distance from the axis of the brake beam assembly than is a distal end of the guide member on the second brake head assembly to minimize lateral shifting movements while maintaining adequate clearances for permitting reciprocal moments of the brake beam assembly during application of braking forces.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car discharge gate assembly having first and second elements arranged in vertically stacked relationship relative to each other for controlling discharge of material from a hopper car. First and second drive mechanisms move the first and second elements, respectively, between closed and open positions. A lock assembly including first and second locks serve to maintain the first and second elements, respectively, in a closed position. The gate assembly also includes a mechanical system for positively removing the first and second locks from a locked condition relative to their respective element upon rotation of either drive mechanism. A method for controlling discharge of material through an opening defined by the railroad hopper discharge gate assembly is also disclosed.

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 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 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 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 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 locking assembly for a swinging door of a container. The locking assembly includes an axially elongated lock rod having cam structure at opposed ends thereof. The lock rod is provided, toward each end thereof, with axially spaced radial projections which are axially fixed relative to the lock rod and define a channel therebetween. The locking assembly further includes a pair of guide plates; with each guide plate rotatably accommodating a lengthwise portion of the lock rod between the plate and the door. Each guide plate further includes structure for allowing each plate to be fastened to the door. After each guide plate is fastened to the door, a portion of each plate is entrapped between the axially spaced radial projections on the lock rod whereby inhibiting axial shifting movements of the lock rod.

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 lock-protecting hasp apparatus for use on a container having a door movable between closed and open positions and including a first hasp, mounted to an exterior surface of the door, and a second hasp. Each hasp has a mounting portion and a hasp portion connected to and extending away from the mounting portion of the respective hasp. Each hasp portion defines openings for accepting and accommodating a shackle of a lock. Each hasp further includes a shackle guard secured to and extending generally coextensive with the hasp portion of each hasp. Each shackle guard also defines openings to allow the lock shackle to pass therethrough and secure the hasps to each other. A lengthwise portion of each shackle guard vertically extends beyond the hasp portion of each hasp and defines a third opening for accommodating a security seal passing therethrough.

Abstract: A lock-protecting hasp apparatus for use on a container having a door movable between closed and open positions and including a first hasp, mounted to an exterior surface of the door, and a second hasp. Each hasp has a mounting portion and a hasp portion connected to and extending away from the mounting portion of the respective hasp. Each hasp portion defines openings for accepting and accommodating a shackle of a lock. Each hasp further includes a shackle guard secured to and extending generally coextensive with the hasp portion of each hasp. Each shackle guard also defines openings to allow the lock shackle to pass therethrough and secure the hasps to each other. A lengthwise portion of each shackle guard vertically extends beyond the hasp portion of each hasp and defines a third opening for accommodating a security seal passing therethrough.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a swinging door of a container. The locking assembly includes an axially elongated lock rod having cam structure at opposed ends thereof. The lock rod is provided, toward each end thereof, with axially spaced radial projections which are axially fixed relative to the lock rod and define a channel therebetween. The locking assembly further includes a pair of guide plates; with each guide plate rotatably accommodating a lengthwise portion of the lock rod between the plate and the door. Each guide plate further includes structure for allowing each plate to be fastened to the door. After each guide plate is fastened to the door, a portion of each plate is entrapped between the axially spaced radial projections on the lock rod whereby inhibiting axial shifting movements of the lock rod.

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.