Abstract: An outlet (10) for unloading a pulverulent lading comprises an outlet body secured to the lower reaches of a railcar in communication with the lading carried by the railcar. The outlet body has an opening therein through which the lading is unloaded. A valve mechanism (30, 32) is movable between a closed and an open position for lading discharge. A valve operator (56, 58) is used to open and close the valves. A sampling port (60) is formed in the valve mechanism. Movement of the valve from its closed position to a sampling position intermediate its closed and open positions, allows a small amount of lading to be discharged only from the sampling port so a sample of the lading may be readily taken. At this time, the valve member blocks the remainder of the outlet so a lading discharge tube (26) cannot be overfilled with lading, and no spillage of lading onto a right of way can occur.

Abstract: A limp, porous membrane (18) is formed from a flexible sheet material (20). The membrane is used with a fluidized hopper outlet (10) containing a pulverant, particulate lading which is fluidized and unloaded via the outlet. A valve installed in the outlet, when open, extends substantially through the outlet and allows fluidized lading to be unloaded through the outlet. The outlet has a frame (12) for securing the outlet to the hopper, an outlet opening (14) in which the valve is positioned, and intersecting outlet walls (16) extending between the frame and the opening. An outer margin (54) of the membrane is secured to the frame. An inner margin (18) of the membrane, which defines an opening for the lading, is attached to a boot (36). The boot is secured to the top of an outlet pan (P), adjacent the outlet opening, by a retainer ring (50). The ring locks the boot in place so the opening in membrane is secured adjacent to the outlet opening for the lading to flow into the outlet through the valve.