Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An outlet gate assembly for application to hoppers of railroad hopper cars that is equipped with a self cleaning rack and gear door plate actuation arrangement, in which the outlet gate assembly includes a frame defined by a pair of spaced apart longitudinal frame members that parallel the path of movement of the door plate and a pair of spaced apart transverse frame members joined together with the longitudinal frame members to define the gate outlet port. The frame members are formed to define shelf portions on which the gate door plate underside rides, with the gate underside being equipped with several sets of self cleaning gear and rack mechanisms that couple the gate operating shaft to the gate door plate. The door plate is formed from an UHMW polymer material of dry self lubricating light weight characteristics and is supported across the midportion of the port by a pair of spaced apart support members in parallel relation across the gate outlet port. The gate assembly is equipped with a gravity operated self locking latch arrangement that holds the door plate in its closed position and also provides for sealing of the gate assembly, when the hopper is loaded, for transit.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim