Abstract: A sliding gate type gravity outlet (10) is for use on railcars (C) for discharging a lading. A pan assembly (12) defines an outlet pan (14) having a flange (18) attached to the discharge opening and sidewalls (20) sloping downwardly from the flange. A bottom portion of the sidewalls defines a discharge outlet (22) into which lading flows. An outlet gate (24) is movable relative to the opening to open and close the outlet. Lading to be discharged bears upon the gate when it is in its closed position. A rack and pinion gear arrangement (36) is used to move the gate back and forth between these positions, and a rod (62) guides movement of the gate. The gate sealingly abuts against a seal (32) when the gate is closed to prevent loss of lading. The guide mechanism sits at an angle (X1) with respect to the outlet, and the gate is set at a second and greater angle (X2) with respect thereto. As the gate moves from its closed to its open position, it is drawn away from the seal and does not slide over it.

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.

Abstract: Indicating means are preferably provided to indicate to the operator whether a valve means on each side of an outlet is in open or closed position. This indicating means comprises an indicating lever attached to a peripheral portion of a valve shaft and engaging indicating shafts which extend to one or either side of the outlet. A pivot point is provided on the indicating lever to cause the indicating shafts to move in opposite directions as the valve is opened and the indicating lever is moved. If an indicating shaft projects outwardly from the side of the outlet, the attendant knows the valve means is in open position.

Abstract: In a railway hopper car the void space previously provided between the slope sheets of adjacent hoppers is eliminated except for a small area in the longitudinal center of the car. Transversely spaced hopper slope sheets extend downwardly to an outlet mounting frame located in the lower portion of the car, and longitudinally spaced transverse slope sheets extend across the car to divide the car into two large unloading compartments. Two large outlets are attached to the mounting frame extending throughout the lower portion of approximately one-half of the car. Each outlet includes outlet side slope sheets which extend inwardly and downwardly from the outlet mounting frame on either side of the car. In addition, a pair of center outlet slope sheets extend downwardly and away from each other. On either side of the car an outlet side slope sheet and an outlet center slope sheet are laterally spaced to define a discharge opening.

Abstract: Valve means are provided in a discharge opening movable between a closed position blocking communication between a hopper compartment and a discharge conduit. The valve means comprises a segment of an arc which in a closed position spans the distance between outlet slope sheets and is rotatable to an open position located generally below one of the outlet slope sheets. Each arcuate segment is actuated by a gear means. Preferably a worm gear is located above the arcuate segment. A worm gear drive extends transversely of the outlet and is journalled for rotation in bearings sealed with respect to the interior of the outlet. Preferably the worm gear drive is hollow and an activating shaft is located within the worm gear drive which extends outwardly of the outlet side wall slope sheet and at this outlet end includes an operating handle. A first inner portion of the actuating shaft includes first gear engaging means such as a non-round portion which is adapted to engage a non-round end portion of the gear drive.