Abstract: A mechanism for conjointly operating a plurality of gate assemblies mounted on a hopper car having an elongated car body with sides and ends, and a bottom defining a discharge area comprised of a plurality of discharge openings. Each gate assembly includes a slide door arranged in operable association with one of the discharge openings. The mechanism operates the slide door on all the gates conjointly relative to each other. Methods for controlling the gravitational discharge of material from a hopper car are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for conjointly operating a plurality of gate assemblies mounted on a hopper car having an elongated car body with sides and ends, and a bottom defining a discharge area comprised of a plurality of discharge openings. Each gate assembly includes a slide door arranged in operable association with one of the discharge openings. The mechanism operates the slide door on all the gates conjointly relative to each other. Methods for controlling the gravitational discharge of material from a hopper car are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating one or more hinged doors on a hopper car including an elongated operating shaft having a fixed axis of rotation and a linkage system for operably connecting the operating shaft to the hinged doors on the railroad hopper car. The linkage system includes an actuating link operably connected to and rotatable with the operating shaft and a connecting link for operably connecting the actuating link to each door. The linkage system links includes a primary lock for holding each door in the closed position. A selectively operated secondary lock is rotatable about a fixed axis disposed above the fixed axis of the operating shaft assembly. The secondary lock rotates between a first condition, wherein a stop engages with at least one link of the linkage assembly, and a second condition, wherein each door is permitted to move to the open position.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating one or more hinged doors on a hopper car including an elongated operating shaft having a fixed axis of rotation and a linkage system for operably connecting the operating shaft to the hinged doors on the railroad hopper car. The linkage system includes an actuating link operably connected to and rotatable with the operating shaft and a connecting link for operably connecting the actuating link to each door. The linkage system links includes a primary lock for holding each door in the closed position. A selectively operated secondary lock is rotatable about a fixed axis disposed above the fixed axis of the operating shaft assembly. The secondary lock rotates between a first condition, wherein a stop engages with at least one link of the linkage assembly, and a second condition, wherein each door is permitted to move to the open position.