Importance

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Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a tank car valve mounting flange, valve cage and valve seat are provided. The cage is generally cylindrical. The mounting flange extends radially outwardly from the cage. The valve seat is located on an inner surface of the cage. A multi-armed sleeve is threaded onto a threaded valve stem. Clamp fasteners attach a valve closure to a lower portion of the stem. The sub-assembly of the valve closure, valve stem and sleeve is placed within the valve cage, with the closure resting on the valve seat. The arms of the sleeve extend into cage slots having a generally horizontal portion in the cage. A keeper assembly is provided to retain the sleeve arms within the cage slots. The stem is then connected to a top operating rod extending to the top of the tank. The valve assembly is then raised by the top operating rod until the valve flange engages a tank mounting flange. Valve assembly fasteners are inserted through openings in the valve flange into the mounting flange to hold the assembly in place. An outlet chamber for loading and unloading of the lading is then attached to the valve seat mounting flange conveniently with outlet chamber fasteners located on the same bolt circle as the mounting flange fasteners and the valve assembly and outlet chamber are ready for operation. If desired the outlet chamber need only be attached at the loading site and at destination.

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First Claim