Abstract: A worm drive apparatus includes a worm drive assembly having a worm engaged with a worm shaft and positioned within a housing; and a first gear engaged with the worm shaft; a worm wheel positioned within a channel created by the housing, the worm wheel engaged with a shaft extending through the channel; a friction assembly engaged with the worm wheel and the shaft, the friction assembly having a friction disk positioned adjacent to the worm wheel; a lock washer positioned adjacent to the friction disk; and a wave spring positioned adjacent to the lock washer; the friction assembly aids in preventing unwanted movement of the apparatus; and the worm wheel and first gear are to engage.

Abstract: A railcar hatch control system and method for operating railcar hatches of a multi-railcar train is disclosed. A multi-railcar train may have a locomotive and a plurality of railcars having railcar hatches that can be opened and closed. The system and method may include displaying railcar identification information for the railcars on an operator display device, and receiving selections of railcars from an operator that will have a railcar hatch operation performed thereon, such as opening or closing the hatches. The railcar hatch operation is input, and the system and method control the railcar hatch operation being performed only on the selected railcars, and not on the railcars that have not been selected by the operator. The system and method may have operator interfaces devices at an operator station of the train, or at a remote location or on a remote device that communicates wirelessly with the train.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a discharge door locking system for a railcar discharge door comprises a lock piston configured to move between a first position (not engaged with an operating beam coupled to a discharge door) and a second position (engaged). The locking system comprises a first and second input. Activation of the first input moves the lock piston to the first position, and activation of the second input moves the lock piston to the second position. The first input of the locking system is coupled to a first input of an operating cylinder coupled to the operating beam. The first input of the operating cylinder is configured to move the discharge door to the open position. The second input of the locking system is coupled to a second input of the operating cylinder. The second input is configured to move the discharge door to the closed position.

Abstract: A railway car is disclosed. The railway car comprises an underframe and at least one compartment for transporting lading. The railway car comprises at least one discharge opening and a door assembly adjacent to the at least one discharge opening. The railway car comprises a discharge control system comprising at least a common linkage mounted away from a longitudinal centerline of the railway car and a secondary linkage, wherein the discharge control system is operable to move the door assembly between a first position and a second position. The railway car comprises an actuator operable to drive movement of the common linkage in connection with movement of the door assembly between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A left hopper door and a right hopper door are associated with a hopper of a railroad hopper car that includes an operating beam which is longitudinally moveable within a center sill. A door operating mechanism for such doors includes an operating arm that includes a longitudinal slot, and a fulcrum that is attached to the operating beam. The fulcrum includes a pin that is adapted to slide within the slot of the operating arm. A V-lever is pivotally mounted on the center sill. The V-lever includes a left arm that is attached to the left hopper door and a right arm that is attached to the right hopper door. The right arm of the V-lever also include an intermediate pivot mount to which the operating arm is pivotally attached.

Abstract: A railcar system that includes a railcar with a discharge opening and a longitudinal gate positioned adjacent to the discharge opening. The system further includes a driving system connected to the longitudinal gate that is configured to move the longitudinal gate between a closed position and an open position. The system further includes a controller connected to the driving system that causes the driving system to position the longitudinal gate in the closed position, position the longitudinal gate in the open position, and position the longitudinal gate to remain an at least partially open position. The longitudinal gate is less than fully open when the longitudinal gate is in the at least partially open position.

Abstract: A railcar system that includes a railcar having a first longitudinal gate and a second longitudinal gate. The system further includes a first beam and a second beam configured to move longitudinally with respect to the railcar. The system further includes a driving system configured to transition the first beam from a first position to a second position. The first longitudinal gate and the second longitudinal gate are both closed when the first beam is in the first position. The first longitudinal gate is at least partially open and the second longitudinal gate are closed when the first beam is in the second position. The driving system is also configured to transition the first beam from the second position to a third. The first longitudinal gate and the second longitudinal gate are both at least partially open when the first beam is in the third position.

Abstract: A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by movable closure members. The hopper car has a plurality of hoppers of which two hoppers share a common ridge assembly. The ridge assembly forms a common mating and fit up location for the upper margins of the slope sheets of two lengthwise adjacent hoppers. The ridge assembly includes an horizontal center section and two end plates that angle upwardly outboard toward the top chords of the side walls. The ridge assembly stands proud of the upper margin of the respective adjacent slope sheets. A gusset is mounted between the adjacent slope sheets below the ridge plate such that the slope sheets and gusset form a reinforcement tube running across the car, the end plates forming the stems of a vertical T-section attached to the side wall and overlapping the top chord.

Abstract: A cargo container is modified to carry a fracing proppant such as sand from a quarry or source to the frac site. Openings are cut in the top and bottom of a cargo container and hydraulically operated sliding doors are placed there under. A hopper module with the walls being inclined to approximately the angle of repose for the proppant is installed inside the cargo container. The hopper module is sealed inside the cargo container so that a proppant enters through the top opening at the quarry and flows out through the bottom opening at the fracing site. Once transported to the frac site, the modified cargo container is lifted, emptied and set aside.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car discharge outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The closure members (or doors) are hingeless, being mounted on four bar linkages, such that the distal edge of the doors sweeps predominantly horizontally while the proximal edge of the door moves predominantly upwardly. The doors move through noncircular arcs, such that the size of the vertically projected door opening is abnormally large compared to the clearance heights of the door during opening and closing. The doors are driven by a transverse drive linkage that is driven by a transversely mounted actuator. The actuator may be mounted in an accommodation in the lee of slope sheets between adjacent hoppers in a mid-span portion of the car. Drive from the actuator is carried to a pair of symmetrically mounted doors through drive train linkages.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a railroad hopper car bottom discharge door having two door plates, where at least one is rotatable between open and closed positions for the bottom discharge door. A seal member is fixedly connected to a distal end of each door plate, respectively, and each seal member has a seal lip protruding from the corresponding door plate. One seal lip comprises a first obtuse angle on a lower surface of the seal lip, while the other seal lip comprises a second angle smaller than the first obtuse angle on an upper surface of the seal lip. When the bottom discharge door is closed, the two angles on the two seal lips interlock to form a seal. Methods and systems for a door-actuating assembly that utilizes a pick-up shoe and a rechargeable battery to minimize the occurrence of rail sparks inside dump sites are also provided.

Abstract: A door operating assembly for a railcar includes an actuating device. The railcar includes a railcar container and a lower portion coupled to the railcar container. The railcar container includes two opposing sidewalls and at least one door coupled to the lower portion. The railcar defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The door operating assembly also includes at least one door operating mechanism coupled to the actuating device. At least a portion of the at least one door operating mechanism extends longitudinally along one sidewall of the two opposing sidewalls. The door operating assembly further includes at least one axial drive member coupled to the at least one door operating mechanism. The door operating assembly also includes at least one door drive assembly coupled to the at least one axial drive member. The at least one door drive assembly is coupled to the at least one door.

Abstract: A wireless controller for operably controlling at least two devices. The wireless controller includes a cover portion, a base portion, a transmission mechanism and a component activation mechanism. The base portion is operably attached to the cover portion. The transmission mechanism and the component activation mechanism are each mounted to at least one of the cover portion and the base portion. The component activation mechanism causes the transmission mechanism to transmit a communication signal to the at least one of the at least two devices. When the cover portion and the base portion are in a closed configuration, the component activation mechanism is substantially covered.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting movement of a vehicle and/or for changing operating modes of the vehicle switch between transitional operating mode of the vehicle at a first vehicle speed and a moving mode of the vehicle at a second vehicle speed. Movement of the vehicle is controlled to maintain a speed and/or location of the vehicle within designated limits during operation of the vehicle in the transitional operating mode. Movement of the vehicle is controlled to keep an operating parameter of the vehicle below a designated limit during operation of the vehicle in the moving mode. The vehicle switches between the transitional operating mode and the moving mode based at least in part on the vehicle speed, a distance from the target stopping location, an environmental condition, a vehicle characteristic, and/or a route occupancy condition.

Abstract: A container comprising a frame conforming to ISO intermodal container dimensions, a hopper attached within the frame; the hopper defining a chute having a first opening and a second opening, at least one door pivotally attached to the hopper proximal to the second opening; at least one gate assembly attached to the at least one door; a connector apparatus panel mounted to the frame; and at least one actuating fluid or electrical line connected between the at least one gate and the connector apparatus panel. An alternative embodiment includes at least one air tank connected to the container and filled through an air transfer system and a plunger system to cause actuation of container doors for releasing of materials into a second receptacle and where the air transfer and plunger systems reside partially on a rough terrain container handler vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ballast hopper car discharge door control system, comprising a control box, said control box comprises electrical pneumatic control system and receiving device; hydraulic system, connected to electrical pneumatic control system; manual control device and remote control device are operated to control opening or closing of ballast hopper car discharge doors; storage battery, configured to provide electrical pneumatic control system in said control box with continuous power supply and remote control device with charging power supply; pressure switch, arranged between control box and storage battery, said pressure switch is operated by pressure of air source to control connecting and disconnecting between storage battery and control box.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ballast hopper car, said ballast hopper car comprises an underframe, sidewalls, end walls, discharge doors, coupler draft gears, bogies, a bottom door opening and closing mechanism, underframe accessories, an air brake, an air control system, said air control system comprises an air reservoir and a discharge door control system, said discharge door control system is configured to control working states of ballast hopper car discharge doors. The ballast hopper car provided by the present invention improves discharging efficiency of ballast hopper car and reduces workload of operator.

Abstract: A railroad gondola car has a hopper carried between two trucks. The hopper has convergent end and side slope sheets that feed a bottom discharge. The bottom discharge has a pair of longitudinal doors. The door closing mechanism is a mechanical transmission that includes a set of linkages running from the door to a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder. The linkages run generally parallel to the slope sheet. The car has a very short draft installation that includes a removable coupler carrier bar, and the main shear plate has a removable draft gear installation panel. There is a machinery space above the end section shear plate. It is overhung by the slope sheet that is substantially unobstructed by any other primary structure. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted on an angle in this unobstructed machinery space, oriented longitudinally over the draft sill beneath the main drag link of the mechanical transmission, and above the main pivot of the driving input lever of the transmission.

Abstract: An improved rail car door closer system is provided wherein the movement of a number of appropriately positioned closer wing plates into contact with a number of open rail car hopper doors, is accomplished with hydraulic cylinders and motors. The system incorporates components that direct both the rotation of the wing closers (around a cylindrical frame so as to position the wing closers in and out of position for door closure), and the translation of the wing closers (along the longitudinal cylindrical frame so as to effect the actual closing of the hopper doors). The system is arranged to close more than one door at a time and in the preferred embodiment includes three simultaneously operated door closer wing structures. The heavy duty cylindrical frame incorporates a number of cylindrical outer segments sized to fit around and on the inner cylindrical frame. The segments are directed to rotate and translate on the inner cylindrical frame.

Abstract: A controlled power system is in a train having electric controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes on cars of the train connected to a trainline which carries electric power and control signals and having at lease one auxiliary device on some of the cars. The power system on a car having the auxiliary device includes a power module connecting the auxiliary device to a source of power when activated; and a first controller, including a transceiver, for activating the power module to the connect the source of power to the auxiliary device in response to a power up signal on the trainline.

Abstract: A railroad gondola car has a hopper carried between two trucks. The hopper has convergent end and side slope sheets that feed a bottom discharge. The bottom discharge has a pair of longitudinal doors. The door closing mechanism is a mechanical transmission that includes a set of linkages running from the door to a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder. The linkages run generally parallel to the slope sheet. The car has a very short draft installation that includes a removable coupler carrier bar, and the main shear plate has a removable draft gear installation panel. There is a machinery space above the end section shear plate. It is overhung by the slope sheet that is substantially unobstructed by any other primary structure. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted on an angle in this unobstructed machinery space, oriented longitudinally over the draft sill beneath the main drag link of the mechanical transmission, and above the main pivot of the driving input lever of the transmission.

Abstract: A railroad gondola car has a hopper carried between two trucks. The hopper has convergent end and side slope sheets that feed a bottom discharge. The bottom discharge has a pair of longitudinal doors. The door closing mechanism is a mechanical transmission that includes a set of linkages running from the door to a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder. The linkages run generally parallel to the slope sheet. The car has a very short draft installation that includes a removable coupler carrier bar, and the main shear plate has a removable draft gear installation panel. There is a machinery space above the end section shear plate. It is overhung by the slope sheet that is substantially unobstructed by any other primary structure. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted on an angle in this unobstructed machinery space, oriented longitudinally over the draft sill beneath the main drag link of the mechanical transmission, and above the main pivot of the driving input lever of the transmission.

Abstract: A railcar with discharge control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a railway car includes an underframe and at least one hopper for transporting lading. The railway car further including the underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car. A discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly pivotally mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The discharge control system operably moves generally longitudinally along the axis of the railway car to move the door assemblies between the first, closed position and the second, open position.

Abstract: A door position indicating mechanism for use with a railroad car. The mechanism includes a shaft which extends across the longitudinal direction of the car. An offset section of the shaft has a roller which contacts a lever which is shifted by an air cylinder when operating the door mechanism. At least one counterweight biases the roller into constant contact with the door operating lever. Indicators are mounted on either end of the shaft such that the position of the doors can be noted from either side of the railroad car.

Abstract: An anti-spin/anti-drift or stop mechanism for a railway car door includes a shaft, a helical gear mounted to a first end of the shaft, a helical drive rotatably cooperating with the gear, and a worm gear mounted on a second end of the shaft. The worm gear is disposed in continuous engagement with a gear segment by means of intermeshing gear teeth. A handle for selectively rotating the worm gear is mounted on an end of a helical drive shaft. When the handle is rotated to move the railcar door to a fully opened position, the worm gear rotates the gear segment in a first direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction to thereby eliminate the potential for drifting of the door. Also, as the handle is rotated to move the railcar door to a fully closed position, the worm gear rotates the gear segment in one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction to eliminate the potential for spinning of the handle.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car gate assembly is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame configured for attachment to a hopper body of a railroad hopper car in material receiving relation relative to an outlet on the railroad car and defines at least one discharge opening. A door assembly is mounted on the frame for generally vertical sliding movements between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on said frame. A driver is operably coupled between the frame and the door assembly for selectively effecting sliding movements of the door assembly relative to said discharge opening between the open and closed positions. The driver develops up to a 2000 lb. opening force on the door assembly and a speed up to about 2.1 inches per second as the door assembly moves from the closed position to the open position and includes a direct current electric motor which draws less than about 30 amperes from a power source as the door assembly is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A rapid discharge railcar door consisted of a plastic main body reinforced by an aluminum frame, and which provides sufficient strength against load-bearing forces and withstands changes in temperature. The main body of the door is made from a polymer in a reaction injection molding process. The door reduces the overall weight of the railway car, thus allowing more coal to be shipped per car.

Abstract: A single circular or cylindrical door is provided which covers a pair of horizontal discharge openings in a hopper car construction transversely of the longitudinal axis of the rail car. Each circular or cylindrical door is pivotally mounted to the rail car body on each side of the rail car. A fluid operated cylinder is connected to each door at the central span thereof. The other end of the fluid operated cylinder is connected to the center sill of the rail car. A directional valve controls the direction of fluid flow to the fluid operated cylinder to cause the door to rotate from a closed position blocking the pair of discharge openings to an open position whereby both discharge openings may simultaneously discharge material from the hopper car.

Abstract: A machine for distributing ballast on a ballast bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages, the undercarriages having wheels making point contacts with the track and the contact points defining a reference plane, chutes arranged on the machine frame and spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the machine frame, each chute having a discharge end for downwardly discharging ballast, and a vertically adjustable wiper unit downwardly projecting from the discharge end of each chute towards the track and extending the chute. The wiper unit comprises a drive for adjusting the wiper unit relative to the discharge end, and defines an inlet opening associated with the discharge end of the chute and an outlet opening defining a wiper edge, the wiper edge extending parallel to the reference plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottom discharge arrangement intended for mounting on goods container of a railway truck. The arrangement includes at least one pair of flaps which is pivotally mounted on the goods container at their mutually remote edges, so as to be able to swing between an open and a closed position in a plane perpendicular to the edges. The arrangement includes a two-arm lever which is common to the link systems and which functions to maneuver the flaps simultaneously. The lever arm is pivotally mounted centrally at a point between the pivot axes of the flaps and is pivotally connected at one end to a first link pivotally mounted on one flap and at the other end is pivotally connected to a second link pivotally mounted on the other flap. When the flaps are closed, the pivot points between the parts of the link system lie in an essentially forceless state of equilibrium in a common plane which is locked in this state of equilibrium by an operating device coacting with the link system.

Abstract: A contamination-free freight and storing system for containerized bulk goods adapted to the freight and storage of granular or powdered goods, comprises an improved container satisfying ISO standard, an unloading tank with a top opening, a lifting device within the unloading tank, a suction filter device and a container freight device. The bottom board of the container comprises two separate bottom panels, which are placed above the top opening of the unloading tank while unloading, and are activated by the lifting device and elevated inwardly to expose the two sides of the base of the container so that the granular goods inside the container can slide into the unloading tank. The powder formed from the material seepage can be drawn and filtered by the suction filter device and then released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A hopper door operating mechanism includes an arcuate closing plate mounted on an internal shaft pivotably connected to the frame of the hopper door. An operating crank has one end connected to the internal shaft and the other end pivotably connected to a link arm. The link arm has motors pivotably connected at opposite ends of the link arm. The closing plate can be rotated to open the hopper door in either direction depending on the discharge direction. To open and close the closing plate in a first direction, the first motor is operated to move the link arm and rotate the closing plate while the second motor is maintained in a closed position to retain one end of the link arm as a fulcrum point. To open and close the closing plate in the opposite direction, the second motor is operated to move the link arm while the first motor is maintained in a close position to retain end of the link arm as a fulcrum point.

Abstract: A dual use belly-dumping and end-dumping vehicle includes a frame mounted on wheels for transport and a pivotable hopper carried in the frame. The hopper is provided with angled side walls and end walls defining a top opening and a bottom opening. A pair of hopper bay doors are pivotably connected through a pair of pivot arms to the end walls of the hopper. The hopper bay doors have an inwardly pivoted position at which the hopper bay doors cover the bottom opening and an outwardly pivoted position at which the hopper doors pivot in opposite directions from each other to uncover at least part of the bottom opening. Each door of the pair of bay doors pivots about separated pivot points on the end walls, which pivot points are spaced apart from a center line of the hopper a predetermined distance which is less than one-half of the distance between the center line and each respective side wall.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced railroad car is provided which interfaces with the output of a typical refuse compactor and is capable of being thus forcibly filled with compacted refuse which efficiently fills and conforms to the interior, making maximum volumetric use of the car for efficient transportation to a disposal site. At the disposal site, hydraulic cylinders of the car cause the lid assembly of the car to pivot upwardly, leaving one side and top open, while a powered ejection panel from within the car pushes the refuse toward the open side until it falls over the edge. The car is equipped with engagable seals for containment of leachant and liquids which may form or be present in the refuse.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper door. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade can be selectively raised and lowered via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper doors and blades on a car. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. In a modified arrangement, each ballast distributing blade has a pair of extendable wings on either side to allow the wider distribution of ballast where needed.

Abstract: A positioning system for remote operation of hopper doors of a railway car is provided including a radio frequency controller and a hydraulic drive system. The positioning system for each hopper car is supplied with pneumatic power from the locomotive. Pneumatic power is converted to electric power for the controller and hydraulic power for the door drives. The electrical power is a 12 volt DC system provide by a standard battery, which is charged by an alternator driven by an air motor. An air operated hydraulic pump is also connected to the pneumatic power source to supply hydraulic pressure to a valve manifold connected to a series of solenoid operated hydraulic valves. The solenoid operated hydraulic valves are, in turn, connected to hydraulic cylinders which operate doors on railway hopper/ballast or other type cars. The controller includes a receiver for receiving signals from a remote transmitter and operator station.

Abstract: A ballast hopper car door control apparatus and method for controlling a pivoting hopper discharge control member on a railroad ballast car or the like, includes a drive shaft extending through the discharge control member at the pivot point. A transmission is connected to the drive shaft and is driven by a reversible electric motor. The motor is controlled via a radio receiver which receives motor control signals from a remote radio transmitter. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. Multiple hoppers on a single car are controllable by a single receiver.

Abstract: A discharge arrangement for dispensing the contents of a hopper. The discharge arrangement is particularly suitable for use as an automated ballast door operating mechanism on a railroad hopper car transporting ballast for use in roadbed restoration. The hopper includes at least one discharge opening for discharge of the contents of the hopper. Discharge arrangements are installed over each hopper discharge opening to provide regulation of the discharge of the contents. Each arrangement includes a pair of doors. Locking means are provided by which both or either of the pair of doors may be locked closed. The positioning of the doors is automated in that a fluid motor is connected between the doors. The fluid motor may be actuated to partially or fully open a selected door to regulate discharge.

Abstract: An actuating system for operating the doors of a railroad hopper car. A plurality of levers for each hopper operate to rotate the doors of the hopper between an open and a closed position. The mechanism applies a tension force, rather than a compressive force, to push the doors closed. The mechanism also provides an over center latch to positively close each door. The mechanism may be used on either single or double hopper doors.

Abstract: A dumping system for a kiln floor having a pnematic cylinder to cause a plurality of rows of tray assemblies to move between a closed postion and an open position. A harmonizing bar assembly is connected to the rows of tray assemblies and acts to synchronize movement of the tray assemblies and locks the tray assemblies in a fully clsoed or open position. The linkage between the pneumatic cylinder and the rows of tray assemblies includes a device to adjust the connection with the shaft supporting the tray assemblies.

Abstract: One double acting cylinder is attached to the doors of a gate assembly via a linkage. A lock out system cooperates with the linkage whereby different parts of the linkage may be immobilized prior to the beginning of a work cycle. The work performed by the double acting cylinder thus passes through the free parts of the linkage to actuate one door or the other.

Abstract: A door apparatus for a railway hopper car for discharging bulk material from the car has an elongated flexible hollow body positioned in a discharge opening. A pair of end walls are attached to opposite ends of the body. Each end wall has a first pivot point for rotary attachment to the body. The body is rotatable about the first pivot point between an opened position and a closed position. The body has an arcuate surface extending generally vertically when in the closed position to reduce the effort required to open the doors when the car is loaded. If the door apparatus is stuck in the closed position, such as when ice has formed between the longitudinal edge of the door apparatus and the edge of the discharge opening, a torque applied to one end of the door apparatus about the first pivot point tends to twist the door apparatus about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A door and operating apparatus for railway hopper cars includes a door having a first pivot point for rotary attachment to the hopper. A second pivot point is formed on the door and a cross beam is positioned adjacent to the door for movement in a vertical direction. The cross beam has a third pivot point formed thereon and a link arm has one end rotatably attached to the door at the second pivot point and an opposite end rotatably attached to the cross beam at the third pivot point. A screwjack is coupled to vertically move the cross beam in an upward direction for opening the doors and in a downward direction for closing the doors. The doors have an arcuate surface extending generally vertically when in the closed position to reduce the effort required to open the doors when the car is loaded.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car having bottom discharge doors, an elongated beam assembly along the bottom of the car, door operating levers to open and close the doors connected to the beam assembly and doors, and lost motion timing connections in the beam assembly which permits displacement of beam sections to open and close pairs or sets of doors in a sequential but substantially simultaneous and automatic order so ast to permit reduction of air pressure required to open the doors, or permit use of smaller diameter air cylinder, a pneumatic drive to move the beam in opposite directions to open and close the doors, and a secondary lock to maintain the beam stationary unless pneumatic pressure intentionally operates the pneumatic drive, with the lock being positioned to be readily seen when locked and safely operated if necessary from the wayside.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car comprising an elongated car body having a plurality of laterally pivoted bottom discharge doors; a door opening and closing elongated beam assembly positioned longitudinal of and along the bottom portion of the car; a plurality of spaced apart door operating levers mounted on a pivot lateral to the car body along and to the bottom of the car; the door operating lever pivot including a lateral shaft to which the operating lever is fixedly joined; a pair of laterally spaced apart supports on the car body beneath the elongated beam assembly with each support carrying a bearing mount for the door operating lever pivot; each bearing mount being fixedly joined to the support at a position determined by the actual position of the beam sections when installed rather than at a predetermined location on the support thereby making it unnecessary to include elements to adjust the length of each beam section.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car having bottom discharge doors, an elongated beam assembly along the bottom of the car, door operating levers to open and close the doors connected to the beam assembly and doors, and lost motion connections in the beam assembly which permit displacement of beam sections to open and close pairs of doors in a sequential but substantially simultaneous and automatic order, and a pneumatic drive to move the beam in opposite directions to open and close the doors.

Abstract: A railway hopper car has longitudinally spaced hoppers on both sides of a center sill. The hoppers have door assemblies which may be opened and closed by a door operating mechanism. The door operating mechanism includes a pneumatic cylinder which rotates a lever to move an operating rod longitudinally within the center sill. Door operating levers are rotatably supported on the railway car and pivotally connected to the operating rod to be rotated when it moves. The door operating levers are pivotally connected with struts connected with the door on the hoppers. The mechanism is configured so that all forces are substantially coplanar in a vertical plane passing through the centerline of the center sill to reduce lateral twisting forces in the mechanism. Adjustment of the length of the strut is provided for positioning of the door operating levers during assembly.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.