Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises: an underframe comprising a center sill extending longitudinally along a centerline of the railcar; a hopper coupled to the underframe and comprising a discharge opening; and a discharge assembly coupled to the hopper. The discharge assembly comprises: a sloped side sheet, and a discharge gate frame in a plane offset from horizontal and extending from a bottom of the sloped side sheet to proximate the center sill. The discharge gate frame at least partially surrounds the discharge opening. The discharge assembly further comprises a discharge gate coupled to the discharge gate frame. The discharge gate is operable to move from a closed position that restricts a lading from discharging to an open position that permits the lading to discharge. Moving from the closed position to the open position comprises moving at an angle upward and transverse to the railcar.

Abstract: A hopper door opening and closing apparatus operates a door on a hopper discharge opening. A pair of motorized linear actuators, each having an extendable rod, are mounted to support rails on opposite sides of the door. A bracket connects the rods to the door. A controller selectively activates the linear actuators to extend the rods and thereby move the door to an open position that permits material to flow through the lower opening and selectively activates the linear actuators to retract rods and thereby move the door to a closed position covering the lower opening.

Abstract: A gate control system that provides repeatable and reliable gate position sensing in a fully open position, a fully closed position, or both. In various embodiments, proximity sensors are maintained in biased contact (continuously or intermittently) with the gate panel throughout the travel range of the gate panel. The system may also include anti-fouling or “self-cleaning” of the proximity sensor(s), whereby the proximity sensors are cleared of materials that would otherwise interfere with the repeatability of the position sensing.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is presented for tightening a skewer of a bicycle fork anchor upon a prong of a bicycle fork by delivering a predetermined drive-force to the skewer. The drive mechanism draws a head of the skewer against the prong thereby pinch-securing the bicycle fork to the bicycle fork anchor. The drive mechanism can include a manually operable actuator and a transmission. The manually operable actuator can be coupled to the transmission. The transmission can include a slip mechanism that only transmits driving forces to the skewer of the bicycle fork anchor that are less than the predetermined drive-force.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly includes a body and an elongated discharge opening. An elongated discharge conduit is generally adjacent the discharge opening and is configured to pass material through either of the first discharge end and the second discharge end. A valve assembly controls the flow of material from the discharge opening into the discharge conduit and includes a direct motion component and a lost motion component and a lost motion coupling between the direct motion component and the lost motion component. Each of the direct motion component and the lost motion component is rotatable to move between an open position and a closed position and the valve assembly is operable from either the first end or the second end of the body.

Abstract: A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding gate panel. Two proximity sensors are arranged to provide full sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor outputs a serial pulse train signal for detecting movement of the gate panel. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with gear teeth inherent to the drive mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion mechanism), or with a passive device such as a free sprocket on the motor shaft to sense the passage of each sprocket teeth, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions. In one embodiment, the controller tracks the direction of the gate as pulses are receive, allowing the subsequent positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A bulk material transport apparatus which includes a containment structure on a wheeled frame which is formed of perimeter wall members about a bulk material containment area, further includes at least one modular hopper unit mountable at a bottom side of the containment area for discharging contents of the bulk material containment area therethrough. The modular hopper units can be readily interchanged with other hopper units which are different in gate opening size, gate opening height, gate opening orientation, and/or other characteristics relative to one another. One optional modular hopper unit is a side discharge unit which is reversible for discharging to a selected one of two laterally opposed sides of the transport apparatus.

Abstract: A device in a drilling-mud container (1) including bulkheads of plates (4, 5) provided with vertical and horizontal profiles (2, 3) forming a frame (2), the drilling-mud container (1) being provided with at least one sliding lid (8) which is arranged to be displaced in a sliding track (22) by means of at least one opening mechanism (15) independently of the position of a second hatch (7), wherein a toothed wheel (19), which is rotatably arranged in the drilling-mud container (1), is in engagement with a pitch rack (21) arranged in the sliding lid (8), and the pitch rack (21) is provided with an end portion (21a) which is inclined in the direction of the toothed wheel (19), the abutment of the end portion (21a) against the toothed wheel (19) causing the sliding lid (8) to be displaced in a vertical direction into sealing abutment against an abutment portion (22) on the drilling-mud container (1).

Abstract: A hopper car gate assembly having a frame with opposed side walls, opposed end walls, and top and bottom openings. The gate assembly has a door with a lower section that is supported by the frame and an upper section that is vertically spaced from the lower section. The door is moveable between a closed position, in which the lower section blocks the bottom opening, and an open position, in which cargo can exit through the bottom opening. A drive mechanism engages the upper section of the door to move the door between its closed and open positions. Preferably, the door has a middle section that is joined to and extends upward from the lower section, and the upper section is joined to and extends away from the middle section.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly having a frame defining a discharge opening and including a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling the discharge of commodity through the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from three sides of the frame is arranged beneath a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame further restrict the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. Less than 7.5 vertical inches separates a lower surface on the boot flanges from an upper surface on the mounting flanges of the gate assembly frame. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open an closed positions. Support structure further enhances rigidity and support for an end frame member through which the gate slidably moves.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly including a rigid frame defining a generally rectangular discharge opening and a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling discharge of commodity from the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from the frame is arranged between a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame for restricting the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. A vertical distance of less than 7.5 inches separates the boot flanges from mounting flanges on the gate assembly frame whereby permitting a conventional unloading sled to fit under the gate assembly to discharge commodity therefrom. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open and closed positions. A lock assembly is also provided for inhibiting inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly having a frame defining a discharge opening and including a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling the discharge of commodity through the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from three sides of the frame is arranged beneath a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame further restrict the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. Less than 7.5 vertical inches separates a lower surface on the boot flanges from an upper surface on the mounting flanges of the gate assembly frame. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open an closed positions. Support structure further enhances rigidity and support for an end frame member through which the gate slidably moves.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for use with a railway hopper car. The railway hopper car includes sidewalls, end walls, and bottom walls for defining an interior volume. The bottom walls define a cargo well that has an opening for discharging materials transported by the hopper car. The hatch assembly includes a support frame that is coupled proximate to a bottom of the cargo well. A hatch is slideably coupled to the support frame. The hatch is moveable between a closed position and an open position for selectively covering the cargo well opening. A hatch positioning system including a drive shaft that is coupled to the support frame, a locking assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft and is configured to selectively engage a locking bar, a positioning assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft, and a drive assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A hopper car gate with a curved door for discharging cargo from a hopper car. The gate has coupled side walls and end walls which present a top opening, bottom opening, and upper surface surrounding the top opening and adapted to be joined to the hopper car. A curved rail extends between and is coupled with the end walls adjacent the bottom opening. A curved door is supported on the rail. The door is moveable between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows the cargo to exit through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A hopper car gate for discharging cargo from a hopper car having a length greater than its width. The gate has opposed generally upright side walls and opposed generally upright end walls coupled with the side walls. The coupled walls present a top opening and a bottom opening. A first rail extends between and is coupled with the side walls adjacent the bottom opening. A first door is supported on the first rail and is moveable in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the hopper car that the gate is joined with between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows cargo to exit through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A railcar operating shaft assembly mounted on a gate assembly frame for moving a gate between closed and open positions. The operating shaft assembly includes an operating shaft and a capstan assembly provided at each end of the operating shaft. Each capstan assembly includes first and second axially aligned and conjoined but separate members. The first member is releasably coupled in non-rotatable relation relative to a free end of the operating shaft and is mountable on the gate assembly frame for rotation about a fixed axis. The second member of each capstan assembly is releasably conjoined in non-rotatable relation relative to the first member such that rotational movements imparted to the second member are transferred to the first member and to the operating shaft coupled thereto.

Abstract: A hopper car having an increased volume. The car has side walls, end walls, a bottom, and first and second sloping surfaces. The bottom lies at least partially in a horizontal plane and includes a plurality of spaced apart openings. The side walls, end walls, and horizontal plane define a volume X. The first and second sloping surfaces are located between adjacent openings and joined to the bottom adjacent the openings. The sloping surfaces extend upwardly from the bottom to present an inverted V enclosing a volume Y. The volume Y is no more than approximately 1 to 5% of the volume X.

Abstract: A hopper car gate for discharging cargo from a hopper car having a length greater than its width. The gate has opposed generally upright side walls and opposed generally upright end walls coupled with the side walls. The coupled walls present a top opening and a bottom opening. A first rail extends between and is coupled with the side walls adjacent the bottom opening. A first door is supported on the first rail and is moveable in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the hopper car that the gate is joined with between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows cargo to exit through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A hopper car gate with a curved door for discharging cargo from a hopper car. The gate has coupled side walls and end walls which present a top opening, bottom opening, and upper surface surrounding the top opening and adapted to be joined to the hopper car. A curved rail extends between and is coupled with the end walls adjacent the bottom opening. A curved door is supported on the rail. The door is moveable between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows the cargo to exit through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a hopper of a transport vehicle has an open position in which the gate lies substantially in a vertical plane adjacent to the hopper wall and a closed position in which the gate lies substantially in a horizontal plane. The gate moves longitudinally in guides between the two planes. Several gates can be located adjacent to one another to retain or discharge particulate material in several hoppers separated by partition walls.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a railcar gate assembly including a frame defining a discharge opening, a gate mounted on said frame for sliding movements along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions and relative to the discharge opening, and a drive mechanism for moving and movable with the gate between the open and closed positions thereof. The lock assembly includes a stop mounted for movement between locking and unlocking conditions. At least a portion of the stop extends into the path of travel of the gate when in the locking condition thereby operably preventing inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position. The stop is selectively movable into the unlocking condition whereby allowing the gate to be moved toward the open position from the closed position. The lock assembly further includes a spring biased mechanism for positively maintaining the stop in the unlocking condition until after the gate moves a predetermined distance from the closed position.

Abstract: A lock assembly kit including components capable of being assembled to a railcar gate assembly including a frame defining a discharge opening and having a pair of generally parallel, free ended and stationary rigid racks extending from one end of the frame away from said discharge opening, a gate mounted on said frame for sliding movements along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions and relative to the discharge opening, and a drive mechanism for moving and movable with the gate between the open and closed positions thereof. The lock assembly kit includes a control shaft mounted adjacent the free ends of the racks and which is provided with operating handles radially extending from and secured to the control shaft. A stop mounted for movement between locking and unlocking conditions. The stop extends into the path of travel of the gate when in the locking condition thereby operably preventing inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly has upper and lower gate assemblies with independent drive mechanisms to open and close the gates. The drive mechanisms may be rack and pinion drives. The racks for the lower gate do not enter the gate cavity. The outlet gate assembly can be used for vacuum, gravity or pneumatic sled discharge. The vacuum openings are offset from the center plane of the discharge area to allow free flow of lading. The lower gate assembly includes surfaces that cover and protect the lowermost horizontal surfaces of the assembly when the lower gate assembly is closed. Thus, no separate mud plate is needed. The outlet gate assembly includes seals made of an ultra high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A discharge gate assembly adapted to be secured in material receiving relation relative to a standard opening toward a bottom of a railroad hopper car. The gate assembly of the present invention satisfies AAR requirements and specifications and includes a rigid frame defining a ledgeless and generally square discharge opening which is sized substantially equivalent to the standard opening defined toward the bottom of the railcar whereby allowing commodity discharged from the opening in the railroad hopper car to pass through the gate assembly with minimum interference or obstruction thereby promoting the discharge of commodity from the railroad car. A gate is slidably movable between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on the gate assembly and is suspended, in a closed position, by a series of supports extending therebeneath.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly has upper and lower gate assemblies with independent drive mechanisms to open and close the gates. The drive mechanisms may be rack and pinion drives. The racks for the lower gate do not enter the gate cavity. The outlet gate assembly can be used for vacuum, gravity or pneumatic sled discharge. The vacuum openings are offset from the center plane of the discharge area to allow free flow of lading. The lower gate assembly includes surfaces that cover and protect the lowermost horizontal surfaces of the assembly when the lower gate assembly is closed. Thus, no separate mud plate is needed. The outlet gate assembly includes seals made of an ultra high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: An outlet gate assembly for a hopper type railway car includes a frame defining a discharge chute. Upper and lower gates are mounted in the frame. A compact rack and pinion opening and closing drive moves the upper gate between open and closed positions. The drive includes a pair of racks mounted on the lower surface of the upper gate and extending into the discharge chute through openings in the frame. The openings are sealed during transit and discharge of lading.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.