Patents by Inventor Kurt D. Meckfessel

Kurt D. Meckfessel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5868284
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Maechling, Kurt D. Meckfessel