Abstract: Embodiments of a utility cart according to the solution feature a three front-wheel arrangement on a common axle and a pair of swiveling rear wheels attached to a frame. Certain embodiments feature a sub-frame that is releasably locked to a main frame portion such that, when the locking mechanism is removed, the sub-frame may be lifted to pivot around the front axle and tip a tub aspect carrying a payload. Certain embodiments may also comprise a handle aspect that is slidably engaged with the frame of the cart such that it can be extended to various positions, including being fully disengaged, flipped and reengaged to translate from a push state for a manual user to a pull state for a hitch.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling opening of doors on a hopper car underside. The mechanism includes a pair of stationary hook assemblies located outboard of a discharge opening and having a proximal end affixed to the hopper car and a distal free end. Each hook assembly includes a locking cavity bounded by a cam locking surface and a distal slide surface. Included also is a pair of locking cam assemblies having an upper and lower cam surface matable with the hook cam locking assembly and having a slot. An elongate member has ends affixed to the pair of locking cam assemblies and extends through each of the annular end bearings. A pair of annular end bearings is disposed adjacent to the locking cam assemblies and each affixed to a door.

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: 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.