US20010015152A1 - Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car - Google Patents
Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car Download PDFInfo
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- US20010015152A1 US20010015152A1 US09/827,621 US82762101A US2001015152A1 US 20010015152 A1 US20010015152 A1 US 20010015152A1 US 82762101 A US82762101 A US 82762101A US 2001015152 A1 US2001015152 A1 US 2001015152A1
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- frame
- door
- gate assembly
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D7/00—Hopper cars
- B61D7/14—Adaptations of hopper elements to railways
- B61D7/16—Closure elements for discharge openings
- B61D7/20—Closure elements for discharge openings sliding
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D7/00—Hopper cars
- B61D7/14—Adaptations of hopper elements to railways
- B61D7/16—Closure elements for discharge openings
- B61D7/24—Opening or closing means
- B61D7/26—Opening or closing means mechanical
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. Seal structure is provided in combination with the frame, door and a modular element for inhibiting debris from contaminating the door and a discharge plenum defined by the frame of the gate assembly.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to gate assemblies which are adapted for use in combination with railroad hopper cars and through which lading, such as finely comminuted or granulated food grade commodities are discharged and, more specifically, to a gate assembly having interchangeable modular components allowing the gate assembly to be easily and readily conditioned for either pneumatic discharge or sanitized gravitational discharge of lading from the hopper car and through the gate assembly.
- Railroad hopper cars typically include an underframe for supporting a walled enclosure in which lading is held and transported. As is conventional, the underframe of the car is supported toward opposite ends by well known wheeled trucks which ride on tracks or rails. The bottom of the walled enclosure is usually provided with two or more individual discharge openings for allowing the lading to be discharged from the walled enclosure. The walled enclosure furthermore typically includes sloped or slanted walls or sheets extending upwardly from a periphery of each opening to promote gravitational movement of the lading toward the opening.
- Various methods and devices are known in the art for individually closing the discharge openings in the walled enclosure. Basically, such closure devices or gate assemblies are divisible into two categories. Some hopper cars utilize a sliding door or valve type system for selectively opening and closing the openings at the bottom of the walled enclosure. Alternatively, some hopper cars are provided with pneumatically enabled discharge systems which rely on a pressure differential system for exhausting particulate matter or lading from the enclosure of the hopper car.
- A conventional slide gate system includes a frame which is bolted or otherwise secured to the hopper car. The frame likewise defines a discharge opening arranged in registry with the opening at the bottom of the slanting walls on the hopper car. A gate or door is arranged on the frame for sliding movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on the frame of the gate assembly. A door operating mechanism including one or more racks, typically secured or attached to the door, and rotatably driven pinions is typically used to slide the door between open and closed positions. In an open position, the door of the gate assembly permits the contents of the hopper car enclosure to pass gravitationally from the walled enclosure and through the discharge opening defined by the gate assembly. In a closed position, the door extends across the discharge opening on the frame to shut off the material or matter flow through the gate assembly.
- A conventional pneumatic discharge system for hopper cars involves connecting a discharge assembly including a pan-like housing beneath each opening in the bottom of the hopper car. A pneumatic discharge conduit extends from at least one of the sides the pan-like housing in a direction generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the car. One end of the pneumatic conduit opens to the interior of the pan-like housing while an opposite end is adapted for connection to a suction hose or the like for conducting the lading held and stored within the walled enclosure to any suitable discharge station.
- The transportation and unloading of finely divided materials, and particularly food stuffs, such as sugar, flour and the like within and from the walled enclosure of the hopper car exacerbates the problems involved with the design and engineering of a railroad hopper car discharge gate assembly. When the lading to be transported involves food stuffs, the FDA has promulgated certain rules and regulations which must be met in order for the hopper car to qualify for transporting food stuffs. Of course, one of the paramount concerns involves designing the hopper car discharge gate assembly such that no foreign matter, accumulation of moisture, or insect infiltration is permitted to contact and possibly contaminate the food stuffs even while they are being discharged or unloaded from the railway hopper car.
- Sliding gate closure systems have proven adequate over the years. There are, however, problems inherent with these designs. It is common practice to load a hopper car through roof hatches. The lading, when initially introduced into the walled enclosure, is mixed with air and is very fluid. After standing and as the car travels, however, the lading loses the air film from the finely divided particles and the lading settles and becomes very compact.
- As mentioned, the discharge gate assembly is mounted at the bottom of the walled enclosure and, in sliding gate systems, the door must be slidably moved against the friction imposed thereon by the load. Known slide gate systems for hopper cars have relatively large doors to effect discharge of the lading in a timely and efficient manner. Once the door has begun movement, it can be moved through its path of travel with a reasonable amount of torque or input to the door operating mechanism. At the onset of door travel toward an open position, however, such sliding gate systems require a relatively high initial opening force to be imparted to the door.
- In those hopper cars which transport food stuffs and utilize a sliding gate for controlling the discharge of lading from the walled enclosure of the hopper car, the frame of the gate assembly is usually equipped with a flanged skirt depending from and arranged in surrounding relation relative to the discharge opening defined by the frame of the gate assembly. The flanged skirt defines a discharge plenum. Typically, an air sled or other form of unloading apparatus is clamped to the flanges on the skirt during a discharge operation thereby permitting the food stuffs in the enclosure of the hopper car to be discharged directly and protectively into the sled and, thus, conveyed away from the hopper car. To inhibit debris, insects, moisture, clay and other forms of debris from contaminating the underside of the door and interior of the discharge plenum during transport of the hopper car, such sliding gate systems typically include a sanitary plate or cover plate which slides between open and closed positions in a horizontal plane generally parallel to the door to close the discharge plenum and protect the underside of the door during transport of the hopper car. Of course, known sanitary plates or cover plates are neither designed nor configured to withstand the load which can be placed thereon by the commodity in the enclosure of the hopper car.
- Another problem has been identified with sliding gate systems when the lading in the walled enclosure involves fine granular food stuffs. As will be appreciated, to enable the sliding door to operate between positions, an operating gap or opening must be provided between the frame of the gate assembly and the door. Such gap or opening is typically provided between the skirt on the frame and the door. It is through this opening that contaminants, moisture, and related debris can enter the discharge plenum, thus, contaminating the food stuffs upon discharge of the lading from the hopper car and through the discharge plenum.
- Arranging seals or gaskets about the discharge opening of the gate assembly frame in an attempt to close or seal such openings has often resulted in the seal or gasket being pulled from the gate assembly. The racks on the door coupled with the sliding movement of the door between open and closed positions further complicate the ability to seal the door against contaminants passing into the discharge plenum or opening on the frame of the gate assembly. Moreover, the required need to seal an element of the gate assembly movable in opposite linear directions furthermore complicates the sealing ability of the gate assembly.
- It is known in the art to mount a pan-like structure or housing including the pneumatic discharge conduit to the frame of the gate assembly beneath the sliding door. The pan-like structure or housing is typically fastened to the walled enclosure of the hopper car beneath the sliding door with a plurality of fasteners. As such, the hopper car can function in either a gravitational discharge mode or a pneumatic discharge mode. Of course, valuable time is consumed and lost by affixing and removing the pan-like housing from the hopper car depending upon which type of discharge operation is required or desired. Mounting and arranging the pan-like structure or element above the sliding door of the gate assembly has been found to obstruct the flow of material from the walled enclosure in a gravitational mode of material discharge. Moreover, it is desirable to provide only a single drive mechanism for operating the components of the gate assembly thereby simplifying its operation.
- Thus, there remains a need and a desire for a gate assembly for a railroad hopper car which can be conditioned for either pneumatic or gravitational discharge of lading from the walled enclosure of the hopper car and which utilizes but a single operating mechanism for operating the components of the gate assembly in timed relation relative to each other. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a gate assembly for a railroad car having a sliding door and wherein the operating mechanism imparts a high impactual opening force against the door during initial stages of its movement toward an open position. Additionally, there is a need and desire for a gate assembly for a railroad hopper car including modular components permitting the gate assembly to be easily and readily conditioned for pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only simply by interchanging the components thereof
- In view of the above, one of the salient features of the present invention involves the provision of a railroad car discharge gate assembly which can be easily and readily conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of materials therethrough. As is conventional, the gate assembly of the present invention includes a rigid frame preferably having a rectangular configuration and defining a generally centralized discharge opening. Moreover, the gate assembly of the present invention is provided with a door or first element slidable on the frame along a predetermined path of travel extending across the discharge opening. Unlike other known railroad car discharge gates, however, the present invention allows for either of two interchangeable modular components or elements to be easily and readily mounted on the frame for sliding movement along a predetermined path of travel beneath the door and across the discharge opening. One modular element is configured as an open top pan assembly including a pneumatic port allowing for pneumatic discharge of materials. The other modular component of the present invention is preferably configured as a flat plate for inhibiting debris from contaminating an underside of the gate and unloading attachment areas. Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a gate assembly specifically designed to allow for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of materials therethrough.
- A unique drive mechanism forms part of the gate assembly of the present invention. According to the present invention, the drive mechanism is selectively engagable with and capable of selectively moving either the door or the modular element arranged on the gate assembly in combination with the door toward an open position and relative to the frame of the gate assembly. As is conventional, the drive mechanism includes an operating shaft assembly supported on the frame for rotation about a fixed axis.
- The drive mechanism of the present invention further includes a rack and pinion assembly arranged in combination with the operating shaft assembly. The rack and pinion assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced pinions arranged on and rotatable with the operating shaft assembly. The rack and pinion assembly further includes a pair of laterally spaced racks or toothed tracks arranged in intermeshing relation relative to the pinions. Each of the racks are carried on the frame of the gate assembly preferably on opposed sides of the door and in slidable relation relative to the door and either of the interchangeable modular components. In a preferred form of the invention, the racks are spaced from the frame so as to reduce the coefficient of friction therebetween. In a most preferred form of the invention, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is disposed between the frame of the gate assembly and each of the racks to promote sliding movements of the racks relative to the frame of the gate assembly.
- In a preferred form of the invention, the drive mechanism further includes an apparatus arranged in operative combination with the rack and pinion assembly for selectively coupling either the door or the modular component or both to the drive mechanism. The apparatus includes a control rod preferably mounted for endwise movement and having an actuator arranged thereon for operably engaging either the door or the modular component arranged on the gate assembly. In a preferred form of the invention, the actuator is positioned in the path of movement of either the door or the modular component arranged in combination with the door such that when the drive mechanism is operated, either the door or modular component will be moved toward an open position in response to rotation of the operating shaft. Alternatively, in a most preferred form of the invention, the rack and pinion assembly is locked thereby inhibiting rotation of the operating shaft assembly, thus, preventing movement of either the door or the modular element arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly.
- Moreover, the apparatus of the drive mechanism is preferably provided with a detent mechanism for releasably holding the actuator in a selected position to operably engage either the door or the modular component arranged in combination on the gate assembly. The apparatus of the drive mechanism furthermore preferably includes a spring for resiliently urging the control rod and the actuator carried thereby toward a predetermined position. In a preferred form of the invention, cam structure is arranged in combination with the apparatus for automatically positioning the control rod and thereby the actuator relative to the frame of the gate assembly when the apparatus is positioned adjacent an end wall of the frame of the gate assembly.
- Another salient feature of the present invention involves providing a lost motion connection between the drive mechanism and the door of the gate assembly. With the present invention, rotation of the operating shaft assembly initially results in sliding movement of only the racks without corresponding linear movement of the door. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, only the racks slidably move relative to the frame and the door during the collapse of the lost motion connection. Because only the racks move, the operating shaft assembly will have a predetermined range of free rotation. Upon collapse of the lost motion connection, a relatively high impactual opening force will be applied to the door thereby enhancing opening of the door. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, upon collapse of the lost motion continued rotation of the operating shaft assembly will effect substantially simultaneous linear movement of the rack and door relative to the frame. Moreover, and besides offering a relatively high impactual opening force to the door, the lost motion connection between the door and the operating shaft maintains the door and the other modular element arranged in combination with the door in timed relation relative to each other.
- In a preferred form of the invention, a tamper seal can be provided in combination with the operating shaft assembly. The purpose of the tamper seal is to provide a visual indication of whether the operating shaft assembly has been operated to move either the door or that modular component arranged on the gate assembly in combination with the door toward an open position.
- Another salient feature of the present invention relates to the provision of seal structure for inhibiting debris from interfering with discharge of material and lading through the discharge opening of the gate assembly. The seal structure of the present invention is arranged in combination with the door and the other modular component of the gate assembly arranged in combination with the door. The configuration of the rack and pinion assembly slidably mounted on the frame advantageously allows the seal structure to extend generally parallel with the end walls of the frame between the racks to effectively seal the frame, door and modular component relative to each other.
- The seal structure is preferably comprised of an elongated and hollow elastomeric member configured for energization regardless of the direction of movement of either the door or the modular component associated with the door. In a preferred from of the invention, the elastomeric member of the seal structure has a first radial surface arranged in tangential engaging relation relative to a flat surface on the door or the modular component associated with the door thereby allowing the door or the modular component to move in either linear direction while maintaining a sealing engagement therewith. The radial surface preferably has an elongated rib projecting therefrom and extending therealong to enhance the sealing ability of the seal structure relative to either the door or the modular component associated with the door.
- In a most preferred form, the elastomeric member of the seal structure has a centralized mounting portion with an aperture or opening defining an axis extending generally parallel to the path of travel of the door. The first radial surface on the elastomeric member is disposed to one side of the axis. In an alternative form of the invention, the elastomeric member has a second radial surface disposed on an opposite side of the seal structure. The second radial surface is disposed generally tangential to a flat surface on the door or the modular component associated with the door thereby allowing the door or the modular component to move in either linear direction while maintaining a sealing engagement therewith. As will be appreciated, two sealing surfaces allows the seal to be compressed between the door and the modular component thereby acting as a compression/wiper seal or allowing for reversal of the seal structure thereby prolonging the useful life thereof.
- In a preferred form of the invention, the frame of the gate assembly furthermore includes wall structure or skirt arranged in surrounding relation relative to and depending from the discharge opening of the frame to define a discharge plenum through which material passes. To facilitate connection of a discharge apparatus thereto, the lower end of the depending walled structure or skirt is configured with flanges which operate in a conventional manner with an inlet to the unloading apparatus thereby enhancing transference of particulate materials through the gate assembly and into the discharge apparatus. As will be appreciated, when the modular component arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly is configured as a flat or sanitary plate, such plate inhibits debris from contaminating the underside of the door and the plenum chamber.
- When the gate assembly of the present invention is mounted to a hopper car, it allows the gate assembly to be readily and easily conditioned for either gravitational or pneumatic discharge of food grade materials from an enclosure on the car wherein the food grade materials are held and transported. Either of two modular components are fitted to the gate assembly and move along rails projecting outwardly from the frame. During operation, the apparatus of the drive mechanism is suitably conditioned to properly position the actuator of the apparatus in the path of travel of movable elements on the gate assembly thereby effecting their movement when the operating shaft assembly is rotated. The lost motion connection of the drive mechanism allows a relatively high impactual force to be imparted to the door during the initial opening thereof Moreover, the seal structure preferably forming a part of the present invention inhibits debris from passing between the elements and the frame thereby protecting the food grade commodity from contamination.
- These and other objects, aims and advantages of the present invention will be readily and quickly appreciated from the following detailed description, appended claims, and drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a railroad hopper car equipped with a gate assembly embodying principals of the present invention;
- FIG. 1A is an enlarged side elevational view of a gate assembly according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a gate assembly according to the present invention, with parts broken away to illustrate particular features of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the gate assembly illustrated in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a door element used in combination with the gate assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an open top pan modular element usable in combination with the gate assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a modular plate element usable in combination with the gate assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gate assembly of the present invention illustrating the door in a closed position and the modular pan element arranged in association with the gate assembly;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the gate assembly;
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line9-9 of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line10-10 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an apparatus forming part of a drive mechanism of the gate assembly of the present invention in a first condition;
- FIG. 11A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 but illustrating the apparatus of the drive mechanism in a second condition;
- FIG. 11B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 but illustrating the apparatus of the drive mechanism in a third condition;
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary and enlarged top plan view of the apparatus of the drive mechanism illustrated in the first condition;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged end view of a fragmentary portion of the apparatus of the drive mechanism illustrated in FIG. 12;
- FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the relative position of various components of the apparatus of the drive mechanism and door when the apparatus is arranged in different conditions;
- FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the relative position of various components of the apparatus of the drive mechanism and pan element when the apparatus is arranged in different conditions;
- FIG. 16 is a schematic end elevational view of the various components illustrated in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the relative position of various components of the apparatus of the drive mechanism, door and sanitary plate when the apparatus is arranged in different conditions, with the door being schematically illustrated in phantom lines;
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged side elevational view of a tamper seal arranged in operative combination with a portion of the drive mechanism;
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line19-19 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 20 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a seal used in combination with the present invention; and
- FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line21-21 of FIG. 3.
- While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding the present disclosure is to be considered as setting forth an exemplification of the invention which is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a railroad hopper car, equipped with a gate assembly according to the present invention, is illustrated in FIG. 1. The railroad hopper car, generally designated by
reference numeral 10, includes a multiwalled enclosure 12 for storing and transporting commodity therewithin. As is known in the art, the multiwalled enclosure 12 is supported on anunderframe 14. Theunderframe 14 extends generally the length of thecar 10. As is typical, theunderframe 14 is supported toward opposite ends thereof by conventional wheeled trucks, generally designated byreference numeral 18. - As illustrated, a bottom20 of the enclosure 12 is provided with a plurality of
openings 22 for allowing the commodity to be discharged from the enclosure 12. As will be appreciated, more or fewer openings than that shown can be readily provided without detracting or departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. As shown, the enclosure 12 ofhopper car 10 includes a plurality ofslope sheets 24 funneling downwardly toward each opening 22 in the bottom 20 of thehopper car 10 to promote the discharge of commodity therefrom. - A gate assembly, generally designated by
reference numeral 30, is shown arranged in combination with each opening 22 along the bottom 20 of thehopper car 10. Since thegate assemblies 30 arranged along the bottom 20 of thecar 10 are substantially identical relative to each other, only one gate assembly will be described in detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, eachgate assembly 30 includes arigid frame 32 defining a discharge opening 34. Theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30 is preferably fabricated from FDA approved materials in all commodity contact areas to allow thehopper car 10 to hold and transport food grade materials and eliminate lining requirements. Notably, when thegate assembly 30 is attached or otherwise connected to the walled enclosure 12, the discharge opening 34 defined by theframe 32 is arranged in registry with a respective opening 22 (FIG. 1) in the walled enclosure 12 of thehopper car 10. - As shown,
frame 32 includes opposed and generallyparallel side walls opposed end walls side walls walls - As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2,3 and 8, each
side wall end wall flange 44 formed toward an upper end thereof In a manner well known in the art, theflanges 44, toward the upper end of thewalls 36 through 42, are configured to mate with respective portions of the hopper car to facilitate attachment of thegate assembly 30 to the hopper car. In one form, theflanges 44 define spaced holes 46 (FIGS. 2 and 8) allowing for passage of suitable fasteners, such as threaded bolts, therethrough. - The
gate assembly 30 of the present invention is furthermore provided with a door orfirst element 50 mounted on theframe 32 for selectively closing the discharge opening 34 defined byframe 32. Thedoor 50 is mounted for sliding movement along a predetermined path of travel. In the illustrated form of the invention, and in a closed position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 2), thedoor 50 extends across the discharge opening 34 defined by theframe 32. As will be appreciated, however,door 50 is movable to an open position (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1A) to allow commodity to pass from thegate assembly 30 through the discharge opening 34.Frame 32 is preferably provided with parallel frame extensions or supports 52 and 53 (FIG. 2) extending lengthwise of the hopper car and away from theend wall 42 offrame 32. The frame extensions or supports 52, 53 support peripheral and opposed sides of thedoor 50 when thedoor 50 is moved to and open position relative to theframe 32. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
door 50 is preferably configured as a rigidflat plate 54 including upper andlower surfaces door 50 has a generally rectangular configuration. To permit thegate assembly 30 to be used in combination with a food grade commodity, thedoor 50 is preferably fabricated from an FDA approved material such as stainless steel. - The
side walls walls gate assembly 32 are each provided with aledge 47 which underlies and supports thedoor 50. In a most preferred from of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and to prevent galling of stainless steel in contact with stainless steel, an upper door contacting surface on eachledge 47 is covered with ultra-highmolecular weight polyethylene 48 material. The provision of the material 48 between theledge 47 and theundersurface 56 of thedoor 50 acts as a shield between the lower orunderside 56 of thedoor 50 and theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30 while also serving to reduce the coefficient of friction therebetween when thedoor 50 is slidably moved relative to theframe 32. - The
side walls walls frame 32 ofgate assembly 30 depend from the discharge opening 34 to define a plenum chamber 57 (FIGS. 9 and 10). As is conventional, the lower ends ofwalls 36 through 42 ofgate assembly 30 have a flange-like configuration 58 to permit a conventional discharge apparatus 59 (schematically illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 9) to be coupled or otherwise secured thereto. Suffice it to say, the discharge apparatus 59 (also commonly referred to as an air sled) maybe of the type disclosed in one or more of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,376,814; 2,517,837; 2,527,455, 2,527,466; 2,589,968; 2,657,100; 2,675,274; 2,681,748, 2,789,739. Alternatively, thedischarge apparatus 59 may be a simple compression boot or chamber that draws particulate matter or commodity toward to a storage reservoir. -
Gate assembly 30 furthermore includes either of twomodular elements door 50. Eitherelement frame 32 ofgate assembly 30 in vertically spaced relation relative todoor 50. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,modular element 60 is configured as an open top pan assembly andelement 80 is preferably configured as a sanitary plate or cover. Bothinterchangeable elements gate assembly 30 to be used in conjunction with food grade commodities. - The open
top pan assembly 60 is used in combination with thegate assembly 30 for pneumatically discharging lading from the enclosure 12 (FIG. 1) of thehopper car 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the opentop pan assembly 60 preferably comprises two generally vertical and laterally spacedside walls 62, two slantingend walls 64 rigidly joined to theside walls 62, and a generallyflat bottom 66. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper edges of theside walls 62 are bent outwardly to formflanges 68 which terminate in opensided channels 70. The opensided channels 70 are arranged in combination withrails 71 projecting outwardly from and extending parallel to theside walls frame 32 of thegate assembly 30 for allowing fore-and-aft sliding movement ofelement 60 along a predetermined path of travel relative to frame 32 between open and closed positions beneath thedoor 50. - To enhance sliding movement of the
pan assembly 60 relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, and to effectively seal the sides of thepan assembly 60 to theframe 32 thereby inhibiting passage of debris therepast, ultra-high molecularweight polyethylene material 73 is preferably disposed between therails 71 and the opensided channels 70 on thepan assembly 60. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 5, the upper edges of theend walls 64 are likewise bent to project in a fore-and-aft direction to formflanges 72. In a preferred form of the invention, theflanges 72 projecting fore-and-aft from theend walls 64 of thepan assembly 60 are generally coplanar with theflanges 68 and extend generally parallel to and in vertically spaced relationship with theflanged configuration 56 at the bottom of thewalls 36 through 42 on theframe 32 of the gate assembly 30 (FIGS. 19 and 21). - Returning to FIG. 5, a conduit system, within the open
top pan assembly 60, is provided for the pneumatic discharge of commodity from the enclosure 12. As shown, the conduit system is in the form of a centrally disposed inverted and generally V-shape hood 74 which, in a preferred form of the invention, is hingedly connected to theflat bottom 66 of thepan assembly 60 between theside walls 62 and above the flat bottom 66 so as to define, with the bottom 66, a conduit extending transversely across thepan assembly 60 between theside walls 62. An elongated opening orpassage 76 is provided between a lower edge of thehood 74 and the bottom 66 of thepan assembly 60 to provide for passage of the commodity from thepan assembly 60 into the conduit whereafter low pressure air will draw or carry the commodity in a conventional manner for discharge of same from thepan assembly 60. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, eachside wall 62 of the pan assembly defines anopening 77 which cooperates with the conduit for allowing passage of commodity from thepan assembly 60. A conventionalexternal conduit 78 is exteriorly connected to eachside wall 62 of the pan assembly in surrounding relation relative to the opening orpassage 77. An outer end of theexternal conduit 78 is adapted to be connected to a conventional pneumatic system in a conventional way. Alternatively, the free end of theexternal conduit 78 is provided with a conventional cap 79 (FIG. 7) releasably secured thereon in a well known manner to seal the opentop pan assembly 60 when the hopper car 10 (FIG. 1) is in transport. - The second interchangeable or
modular element 80 has a generally flat planar configuration between opposed side edges thereof. Likemodular element 60, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the flatsanitary plate 80 is provided with two opensided channels 84 which operate in combination with therails 71 on theframe 32 of the gate assembly for allowing themodular element 80 to slidably move in a fore-and-aft direction along a predetermined path of travel relative to theframe 32 between open and closed positions beneath thedoor 50. As will be described in further detail below, the purpose of themodular element 80 is to inhibit debris and the like from contaminating theunderside 56 of thedoor 50 and theplenum chamber 57 during transport of thehopper car 10. Notably, the ultra-highmolecular weight material 73 is likewise used between therails 71 and thechannels 84 on the second element orplate 80 to seal the sides of theplate 80 andframe 32 against debris moving therebetween. - Turning now to FIG. 7,
gate assembly 30 further includes an actuating or drivemechanism 88 carried on theframe 32. One of the many salient features of the present invention relates to the ability of thedrive mechanism 88 to be selectively engaged with and capable of moving either thedoor 50 or either of the twomodular elements door 50 relative to theframe 32 and toward an open position. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, thedrive mechanism 88 is designed to linearly displace thedoor 50 and the secondmodular element gate assembly 30 in association with thedoor 50 different linear distances. In the illustrated embodiment,drive mechanism 88 is designed to linearly displace the secondmodular element gate assembly 32 in combination with the door 50 a greater linear distance than thedoor 50 linearly moves. As illustrated in FIG. 2,drive mechanism 88 preferably includes an operatingshaft assembly 90 carried on theframe 32 for rotation about a fixedaxis 92. The operatingshaft assembly 90 includes anelongated operating shaft 94 rotatably mounted for fixed rotation aboutaxis 92 and having capstans or operating handles 96 affixed to opposite ends thereof. -
Drive mechanism 88 further includes a rack andpinion assembly 100 arranged in operative combination with the operatingshaft assembly 90. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rack andpinion assembly 100 preferably includes a pair of laterally spacedpinions shaft 94 of the operatingshaft assembly 90. Thepinions toothed tracks - As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
toothed tracks frame 32 of thegate assembly 30 and extend generally parallel to opposed sides of thedoor 50. Notably, theelongated racks frame 32 in laterally outward spaced relation from opposed side edges of thedoor 50 for endwise sliding movement relative to theframe 32, thedoor 50, and either of the twomodular elements frame 32 in operative association with thedoor 50. Lateral or sideways movement of theracks frame 32 on opposite lateral sides of eachrack - In the illustrated form of the invention, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and10, each
rack pinion assembly 100 is vertically spaced from theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30 on which it is mounted and relative to which it slidably moves. Because theracks frame 32, the coefficient of friction between theracks frame 32 is substantially reduced. Several alternative devices could be used to separate theracks frame 32 of thegate assembly 30. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, ultra-high molecularweight polyethylene material 112 is entrapped between theracks frame 32 of thegate assembly 30 thereby reducing the coefficient of friction therebetween, thus, enhancing sliding movement of theracks frame 32. - The
drive mechanism 88 of thegate assembly 30 further includes anapparatus 116 for selectively interconnecting the operatingshaft assembly 90 to either thedoor 50 or themodular component gate assembly 30. Turning to FIG. 11,apparatus 116 is arranged in combination and moves with theracks pinions assembly 100. As illustrated,apparatus 116 includes a laterally extendingbase 118 which spans the distance between and is rigidly joined to the free ends of theracks pinion assembly 100. In the illustrated form of the invention, theapparatus 116 is manually operated. It is well within the spirit and scope of the present invention, however, and with slight redesign efforts, the indexing system orapparatus 116 can include a driver for replacing the manual efforts now contemplated for use in conjunction therewith. - As shown in FIG. 11,
apparatus 116 includes acontrol rod 120 mounted on the base 118 preferably by a pair of laterally spacedsupports axis 122 extending generally parallel with theend wall 42 of the frame 32 (FIG. 7). As shown, thecontrol rod 120 is preferably provided withhandles control rod 120 to be linearly positioned relative to theframe 32 and rotated aboutaxis 122. In the illustrated form of the invention, thecontrol rod 122 has a pair of laterally spacedactuators control rod 122. In the illustrated form of the invention, theactuators slots base 118 ofapparatus 116. For reasons discussed in detail hereinafter, thecontrol rod 120 ofapparatus 116 is resiliently biased relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. In the illustrated form of the invention, aspring 136 resiliently biases thecontrol rod 120 and theactuators - In a preferred form of the invention,
apparatus 116 can be selectively conditioned in any of three positions or conditions. First, theapparatus 116 can be conditioned in a position (FIG. 11B) whereby actuation of thedrive mechanism 90 will result in displacement of thedoor 50. Second, theapparatus 116 can be conditioned in a position (FIG. 11A) whereby actuation of thedrive mechanism 90 will result in displacement of the second ormodular element gate assembly 30. Alternatively, theapparatus 116 can be conditioned in a position (FIG. 11) whereby thedrive mechanism 90 is inhibited from imparting movement to and thereby locking both thedoor 50 and thesecond element frame 32 of thegate assembly 30. - Preferably,
apparatus 116 further includes adetent mechanism 140 for releasably holding theapparatus 116 in a selected condition. More specifically, thedetent mechanism 140 serves to releasably hold thecontrol rod 120 and, thus, theactuators frame 32 of thegate assembly 30. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thedetent mechanism 140 can take a myriad of different forms from that shown without detracting or departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In the form illustrated in FIG. 11, thedetent mechanism 140 preferably includes a pair of laterally spacedholders - In the illustrated embodiment, the
holders only holder 142 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each holder of thedetent mechanism 140 includes anupstanding member 146 carried on thebase 118 of theapparatus 116 and adetent 148 carried on and movable with the shaft orcontrol rod 120.Member 146 of eachholder 140 has two laterally spaced notches orreliefs apparatus 116. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated, each upstruckmember 146 ofdetent mechanism 140 is configured to limit rotational movement of therespective detent 148 and thereby thecontrol rod 120 aboutaxis 122. Each notch orrelief detent 148 carried in thecontrol rod 120 therewithin. As will, be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the resilient action of thespring 136 urges thedetents 148 in a sideways or lateral direction furthermore facilitating operation of thedetent mechanism 140 by holding thedetent 148 within the selected relief orrecess detent mechanism 140 and thereby maintaining theactuators apparatus 116 in a selected position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - The
drive mechanism 88 for thegate assembly 30 is lost motion connected to thedoor 50 through theapparatus 116. The lost motion connection can take many different forms. Suffice it to say, the lost motion connection allows the operatingshaft assembly 90 of gate assembly 30 a predetermined amount or degree of free initial rotation before thedoor 50 begins to move toward an open position and relative to frame 32. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
door 50 is provided with a pair of laterally spacedlatches door 50 will correspond to the number of actuators provided in combination with theapparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 88. As shown, thelatches door 50. Since thelatches - As shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, each
latch latch latch latch like configuration 164 defining anactuator engaging surface 166. Eachlatch actuator engaging surface 168 disposed in spaced fore-and-aft direction and closer to the edge of thedoor 50 than issurface 166. - When the
door 50 is in a closed position relative to the discharge opening 34, andapparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 88 is conditioned in a locked condition or position, theactuators apparatus 116 are in a position as schematically illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 14. If the operator desires to move thedoor 50 toward an open position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, the operator would initially position theapparatus 116 in a condition to open thedoor 50. - With the present invention, conditioning the
apparatus 116 to open thedoor 50 is easily and readily effected by the operator positioning thecontrol rod 120 and, thus, theactuators control rod 120 in the predetermined path of movement of thedoor 50. With the present invention, placing theactuators door 50 involves positioning theactuators latches door 50. Linear displacement of thecontrol rod 120 to open thedoor 50 results in theactuators control rod 120 andactuators apparatus 116 to open thedoor 50, thecontrol rod 120 is preferably rotated aboutaxis 122 to a position illustrated in FIG. 11B such that thedetent mechanism 140 thereafter releasably holds theapparatus 116 in the position or condition selected by the operator. - Once the
apparatus 116 has been conditioned to move thedoor 50 toward an open position, the operator can thereafter impart rotational movements to the operatingshaft assembly 90. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, rotational movements imparted to the operatingshaft assembly 90 cause linear displacement of the rack andpinion assembly 100. More specifically, rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 causes theracks frame 32 and relative todoor 50. Of course, the direction of linear displacement of theracks shaft assembly 90. During initial rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 in a direction to open thedoor 50, theracks end wall 42 offrame 32. - As the
racks pinion assembly 100 are driven away from theframe 32, theapparatus 116 of thedrive mechanism 90 moves conjointly therewith. Accordingly, thecontrol rod 120 andactuators apparatus 116 and theracks operator shaft assembly 92. Notably, linear movement of theracks drive mechanism 88 results in displacement of theactuators actuators actuator engaging surface 166 on eachlatch door 50. It is important to note, however, as theactuators shaft assembly 90 no linear movement of thedoor 50 is effected. No linear movement of thedoor 50 is effected until theactuators actuator engaging surface 166 on alatch door 50. Once theactuators actuator engaging surface 166 on thelatch actuators shaft assembly 90 will cause linear displacement of thedoor 50 toward an open position. Thus, thedrive mechanism 88 of the present invention advantageously provides lost motion in connection with rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 and movement of thedoor 50 toward an open position. - To move the
door 50 toward a closed position, theapparatus 116 is conditioned to position theactuators door 50. In the illustrated embodiment, positioning theactuators actuator engaging surface 168 on eitherlatch door 50 toward a closed position. Thereafter, the operatingshaft assembly 90 is rotated in a direction opposite from the opening direction. As such, the rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 will effect linear retraction of theracks apparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30. Movement of theapparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 of gate assembly will cause theactuators apparatus 116 to abut and engage theactuator engaging surface 168 defined by eachlatch shaft assembly 90 will cause further displacement ofapparatus 116 and theactuators end wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30, thus, ultimately closing thedoor 50 relative to the discharge opening 34 and theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - Alternatively, the
apparatus 116 of thedrive mechanism 88 can be selectively conditioned to operably engage and position only the open top pan assembly or secondmodular element 60 relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. Movement of only the top pan assembly or secondmodular element 60 toward an open position is likewise effected by positioning theactuators apparatus 116 into the path of travel of thetop pan assembly 60 and thereafter rotating the operatingshaft assembly 90 to enable theapparatus 116 and, thus, move thepan assembly 60. - Returning to FIGS. 3 and 5, in the illustrated form of the invention, the open top pan assembly or
modular element 60, is provided with a pair of laterally spaced fore-and-aft extending -arms pan assembly 60 adjacent theend wall 42 offrame 32 when thepan assembly 60 is in a closed position relative to the discharge opening 34. Thearms pan assembly 60 are substantially identical and, therefore, only arm 170 will be described in detail. - As schematically represented in FIGS. 15 and 16, each
arm pan assembly 60 is preferably formed as a rigid material tube having sufficient strength such that when a pulling or pushing force is applied thereto thetube gate assembly 30. Toward a free end thereof, eacharm actuator engaging surfaces arm actuator engaging surfaces arm actuators apparatus 116. - Notably, the
actuator engaging surfaces arms pan assembly 60 are laterally spaced from theactuator engaging surfaces latches door 50. Accordingly, linear positioning of thecontrol rod 120 ofapparatus 116 will effect opening movement of only thedoor 50 or thepan assembly 60 but not both depending on the disposition or conditioning of theapparatus 116. - When the
pan assembly 60 is in a closed position relative to the discharge opening 34 on theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, andapparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 90 is conditioned in a locked condition or position, theactuators apparatus 116 are in a position as schematically represented in solid lines in FIGS. 15 and 16. If the operator desires to move thepan assembly 60 toward an open position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, the operator would position theapparatus 116 in a condition (FIG. 11A) to open thepan assembly 60. - With the present invention, conditioning the
apparatus 116 to open thepan assembly 60 is easily and readily effected by the operator positioning thecontrol rod 120 and, thus, theactuators control rod 120 in the predetermined path of travel of thepan assembly 60. With the present invention, placing theactuators apparatus 116 in the path of travel of thepan assembly 60 involves positioning theactuators actuator engaging surface 178 of eacharm pan assembly 60. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, linear displacement of thecontrol rod 120 ofapparatus 116 to the position illustrated in FIG. 11A results in theactuators apparatus 116 being linearly displaced to the position schematically represented in phantom lines in FIG. 15. Once the operator positions thecontrol rod 120 andactuators apparatus 116 to open thepan assembly 60, thecontrol rod 120 is preferably rotated about theaxis 122 ofrod 120 such that thedetent mechanism 140 thereafter releasably holds theapparatus 116 in the position or condition selected by the operator. - Once the
apparatus 116 has been conditioned to move thepan assembly 60 toward an open position and relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, the operator can thereafter impart rotational movement to the operatingshaft assembly 90 in a direction to open the pan -assembly 60. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, rotational movements imparted to the operatingshaft assembly 90 cause fore-and-aft linear displacement of theracks pinion assembly 100. More specifically, rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 causes theracks frame 32. Of course, the direction of linear movement of theracks shaft assembly 90. During initial rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 in a direction to open the pan assembly, theracks racks end wall 42 offrame 32. - As the
racks pinion assembly 100 are driven away from theframe 32, theapparatus 116 of thedrive mechanism 88 moves conjointly therewith. Accordingly, thecontrol rod 120 and theactuators apparatus 116 and theracks shaft assembly 90. Notably, linear movement of theracks drive mechanism 88 results in displacement of theactuators end wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30 and into engagement with theactuator engaging surface 178 of eacharm actuators surface 178 on thearms actuators end wall 42 of thegate assembly 30 caused by rotation of theoperator shaft assembly 90 will cause linear movement of thepan assembly 60 toward an open position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - With this form of the invention, and as mentioned above, the fore-and-aft spacing between
actuator engaging surfaces arms pan assembly 60 is equal to the width of theactuators apparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 88. Accordingly, theactuators actuator engaging surfaces pan assembly 60. Because the distance between theactuator engaging surfaces arm apparatus 116, movement of thepan assembly 60 will be effected upon rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90. As such, thepan assembly 60 will travel a greater linear distance between open and closed positions than does thedoor 50 between open and closed positions. - To move the
pan assembly 60 toward a closed position, theapparatus 116 is conditioned to position theactuators pan assembly 60. In the illustrated embodiment, positioning theactuators actuator engaging surface 176 on thearms pan assembly 60 requires release of theapparatus 116 from its engagement with theholder 140 thereby allowing thespring 136 to return theactuators shaft assembly 90 is rotated in a direction opposite from the opening direction. As such, the rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 will effect linear retraction of theracks apparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30. The movement of theapparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 of gate assembly will cause theactuators apparatus 116 to abut and engage theactuator engaging surface 176 defined on eacharm shaft assembly 92 will cause further displacement ofapparatus 116 and theactuators end wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30, thus, ultimately closing thepan assembly 60 relative to the discharge opening 34 and theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - Special concerns are presented when the
gate assembly 30 is conditioned for use with the other modular element orflat plate 80. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the flatsanitary plate 80 is specifically designed to inhibit debris from contaminating theunderside 56 of thedoor 50 and theplenum chamber 57. Thesanitary plate 80, however, is neither configured nor designed to withstand the full weight of the commodity within the enclosure 12 thereon. Accordingly, an important design concern with the present invention involves movement of thesanitary plate 80 in timed relation relative to movement of thedoor 50 relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. Movement of thesanitary plate 80 in timed relation relative to movement of thedoor 50 toward an open position is again effected by conditioning theapparatus 116 of thedrive mechanism 90 to accomplish the desired result. - Returning to FIG. 6, in the illustrated form of the invention, the modular element or
sanitary plate 80 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced fore-and-aft extending arms plate 80 adjacent theend wall 42 offrame 32 when the secondmodular element 80 is in a closed position relative to the discharge opening 34. Thearms plate 80 are substantially identical relative to each other and, therefore, only arm 180 will be described in detail. - As schematically represented in FIG. 17, each
arm tube tubes gate assembly 30. Toward a free end thereof, eacharm actuator engaging surface 186. Moreover, and as illustrated in FIG. 17, eacharm modular element 60 includes anactuator engaging surface 188 spaced apart in a fore-and-aft direction fromactuator engaging surface 186. - With this form of the invention, the fore-and-aft spacing between the
actuator engaging surfaces arm modular element 60 is equal to the width of theactuators apparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 88. Accordingly, theactuators apparatus 116 are free to pass between theactuator engaging surfaces plate 80. Because the distance between theactuator engaging surfaces arm apparatus 116, movement of theplate 80 will be effected upon rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90. As such, the plate or secondmodular element 80 will travel a greater linear distance between open and closed positions than does thedoor 50 between open and closed positions upon actuation of the operatingshaft assembly 90. Moreover, this design permits substantially immediate movements of thelower element - When the plate or second
modular element 80 is in a closed position relative to the discharge opening 34 on theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, andapparatus 116 ofdrive mechanism 88 is conditioned in a locked condition or position, theactuators apparatus 116 are in a position as schematically represented in solid lines in FIG. 17. The lateral elongation of theactuator engaging surface 178 assures the sanitary plate or secondmodular element 80 will conjointly open along with and in advance of opening of thedoor 50. As such, concerns about the commodity in the enclosure 12 of thehopper car 10 placing a substantial load on thesanitary plate 80 are eliminated. - With the present invention, conditioning the
apparatus 116 to open theplate 80 is easily and readily effected by the operator positioning thecontrol rod 120 and, thus, theactuators control rod 120 in the predetermined path of travel of theplate 80. With the present invention, placing theactuators apparatus 116 in the path of travel of theplate 80 involves positioning theactuators actuator engaging surfaces pan assembly 60. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, linear displacement of thecontrol rod 120 of apparatus results in theactuators control rod 120 andactuators apparatus 116 to open theplate 80, thecontrol rod 120 is preferably rotated about theaxis 122 ofrod 120 such that thedetent mechanism 140 thereafter releasably holds theapparatus 116 in the position or condition selected by the operator. - Once the
apparatus 116 has been conditioned to move theplate 80 toward an open position and relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30, the operator can thereafter impart rotational movement to the operatingshaft assembly 90 in a direction to open theplate 80. As will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, rotational movements imparted to the operatingshaft assembly 90 cause linear displacement of the rack andpinion assembly 100. More specifically, rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 causes theracks frame 32. Of course, the direction of linear movement of theracks shaft assembly 90. During initial rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 in a direction to open theplate 80, theracks pinion assembly 100 are slidably displaced relative to thedoor 50 and theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - As the
racks pinion assembly 100 are driven away from theframe 32, theapparatus 116 of thedrive mechanism 88 moves conjointly therewith. Accordingly, thecontrol rod 120 and theactuators apparatus 116 and theracks shaft assembly 90. Notably, linear movement of theracks drive mechanism 88 results in displacement of theactuators end wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30 and into pressing or intimate engagement with theactuator engaging surface 186 associated with theplate 80. Once theactuators surface 186 on thearms actuators end wall 42 of thegate assembly 30 caused by rotation of theoperator shaft assembly 90 will cause linear movement of theplate 80 toward an open position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - To move the
plate 80 toward a closed position, theapparatus 116 is conditioned to position theactuators plate 80. In the illustrated embodiment, positioning theactuators apparatus 116 for engagement with theactuator engaging surface 188 on thearms plate 80 will suffice for effecting movement of theplate 80 toward a closed position. Thereafter, the operatingshaft assembly 90 is rotated in a direction opposite from the opening direction. As such, the rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 will effect linear retraction of theracks apparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30. The movement of theapparatus 116 toward theend wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30 will cause theactuators apparatus 116 to abut and engage theactuator engaging surface 188 defined on eacharm shaft assembly 90 will cause further displacement ofapparatus 116 and theactuators end wall 42 of theframe 32 ofgate assembly 30, thus, ultimately closing theplate 80 relative to the discharge opening 34 and theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - Turning to FIG. 18, when the
apparatus 116 is returned to a position adjacent theend wall 42 of thegate assembly 30, theapparatus 116 is automatically returned to a locked condition. In the illustrated form of the invention, cam structure 190 is provided for positively locking theapparatus 116 relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30 when theapparatus 116 is returned to a position adjacent theend wall 42 of theframe 32. In the illustrated form of the invention, the cam structure 190 includes an actuating member orcam 192 arranged on eachcapstan 96 of the operatingshaft assembly 90 and acam follower 194 radially projecting outwardly fromcontrol rod 120 and into the path of movement of arespective cam 192 when theapparatus 116 is returned to a position adjacent theend wall 42 of theframe 32. When the operatingshaft assembly 90 is rotated to return theapparatus 116 adjacent the end wall of theframe 32, the rotatingcam 192 positively engages thecam follower 194 thereby displacing themembers 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 and, thus, rotating thecontrol rod 120 aboutaxis 122 so as to permit the spring 136 (FIG. 11) to resiliently bias thedetents 148 into a locked position relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. - The
apparatus 116 furthermore serves to inhibit inadvertent displacement of thedoor 50 or themodular element apparatus 116 is in locked condition, eachdetent 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 is removably constrained within anupstruck channel 200 provided on theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. Accordingly, if rotational movement is imparted to the operatingshaft assembly 90, the inability of thedetents 148 ofapparatus 116 to be removed from thechannel 200 inhibits linear displacement of theracks pinion assembly 100 thus locking thedoor 50 and the secondmodular element gate assembly 30 against linear displacement relative to theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. Other alternative locking arrangements for inhibiting linear displacement of thedoor 50,element apparatus 116 would equally suffice without detracting or departing from the spirit and cope of the present invention. - In a preferred form of the invention, a front end portion of the
upstruck channel 200 is defined bycam structure 202 preferably projecting away from and angularly disposed relative to theend wall 42 of theframe 32. Thecam structure 202 preferably comprises a pair of preferably identical laterally spacedcams 204 and 206 (FIG. 2) disposed for engagement by the free ends of thedetents 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 when theapparatus 116 is returned to a position adjacent theend wall 42 of theframe 32. - To return the
door 50 andelement frame 32, theapparatus 116 is conditioned to the position illustrated in FIG. 11. In this position, thedetents 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 are disengaged from theirrespective holders 146 andspring 136 urges thedetents 148 to the position illustrated in FIG. 11. As theapparatus 116 is returned to a closed or locked condition, the purpose of thecams detents 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 and thereby urge thecontrol rod 120 in a linear direction against the action ofspring 136. Notably, eachcam upright channel 200. As such, and after thedetents 148 of thedetent mechanism 140 pass over thecams frame 32 by thespring 136, thus, placing theapparatus 116 in a locked condition. - In a most preferred form of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 18, a railcar seal210 can be arranged in combination with the
apparatus 116 for visually indicating whether thedrive mechanism 88 has been operated to move either thedoor 50 or themodular element gate assembly 30 toward an open position. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, and as illustrated in FIG. 18, eachcam 192 of cam structure 190 is provided with a through slot oropening 212 having a closed margin. Moreover, eachcam follower 194 on the cam structure 190 defines an aperture oropening 214 having a closed margin. The railcar seal 210 preferably comprises a ribbon-like band 216 which passes through theopening 212 on thecam 192 and the aperture or opening 214 on thecam follower 194, with opposite ends of theband 216 being secured to each other to provide a visual indication of railcar tampering. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, theband 216 is fabricated from a material which can withstand normal forces applied thereto but which will fail when a rotational force is imparted to thedrive mechanism 88 to open thedoor 50 or themodular element gate assembly 30. - Another salient feature or aspect of the present invention relates to seal
structure 220 for inhibiting debris and insect infiltration between theframe 32,door 50 and the secondmodular element gate assembly 30 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, a portion of theseal structure 220 involves providing aseal 222 transversely across a lateral edge or portion of the secondmodular component tracks like configuration 58 at the lower end of theend wall 40 offrame 32 ofgate assembly 30 thereby sealing thegate assembly 30 across that end thereof. In the illustrated form of the invention,seal 222 is supported by a dependingflange 223 provided on the secondmodular element suitable fastener 225, such as a threaded bolt and nut, can be used to releasably fasten theseal 222 to theflange 223. -
Seal 222 is preferably formed as an elongated and hollowelastomeric member 224 configured for energization regardless of the direction of movement of the gate assembly component with which theseal 222 is arranged in operable combination. Moreover, seal 22 allows horizontal discontinuities of either thedoor 50 or themodular element seal 22 will automatically re-energize through either open or close direction manipulation of the components horizontal discontinuity removal. As illustrated in FIG. 20,seal 222 includes an elongated and preferably extrudedmember 224 preferably including a mounting portion 226 defining anaxis 228 extending generally parallel to the predetermined path of travel of thedoor 50. Because the commodity transported and held within the enclosure 12 ofhopper car 10 can constitute food grade material,member 224 used to fabricate theseal 222 is of the type approved by the FDA and conforms to the FDA Food Contact Requirements. In a most preferred form,member 224 is formed from a clean grade santoprene of proper hardness. Preferably,member 224 has a hardness ranging between about 70 and about 76 Shore A hardness. - In the illustrated embodiment, a first
radial surface 230 is disposed to one side of the mounting portion 226 ofmember 224 for allowing relative movement of the surface arranged in sealing relationship therewith in either linear direction relative thereto. As shown, the firstradial surface 230 ofseal 222 is preferably arranged in tangential engaging relation relative to the flat surface or flange-like configuration 58 on theframe 32 of thegate assembly 30. The firstradial surface 230 ofmember 224 is preferably provided with at least oneelongated rib 232 projecting away from theradial surface 230 for enhancing the sealing ability of the sealingsurface 230. In a most preferred form of the invention, the firstradial surface 230 ofmember 224 defines a secondelongated rib 234 extending generally parallel to thefirst rib 232 and projecting away from theradial surface 230 to complement and further enhance the sealing ability of theradial surface 230. - In the illustrated embodiment, a second
radial surface 240 is disposed to an opposite side of the mounting portion 226 ofmember 224 in diametrically opposed relation to the firstradial surface 230. In this illustrated embodiment ofmember 224, the mounting portion 226 is centrally disposed between the first and secondradial surfaces member 224 is reversible about the axis 226 thereby prolonging the useful life of theseal 222. The secondradial surface 240 ofmember 224 is preferably provided with at least oneelongated rib 242 projecting away from theradial surface 240 for enhancing the sealing ability of the sealingsurface 240. In a most preferred form of the invention, the secondradial surface 240 ofmember 224 defines a secondelongated rib 244 extending generally parallel to thefirst rib 242 and projecting away from theradial surface 240 to complement and further enhance the sealing ability of theradial surface 240. - In a preferred form of the invention, and as illustrated in FIG. 21, another portion of
seal structure 220 involves providing aseal 252 transversely across theupper surface 55 of and toward an end of the door opposite fromseal portion 222. Suffice it to say,seal 252 is substantially identical to seal 222 discussed above. Theseal 252 is preferably mounted to an exterior of and extends generally parallel to endwall 42 offrame 32. Moreover,seal 252 extends across theupper surface 55 ofdoor 50 and between thetracks pinion assembly 100. The primary purpose ofseal 252 is to inhibit contamination and insect infiltration betweenframe 32 ofgate assembly 30 and theupper surface 55 ofdoor 50 during transport and storage of thehopper car 10. - As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and as illustrated in FIG. 21, the
end wall 42 offrame 32 is required to have an opening orelongated slot 260 allowing for horizontal movement of thedoor 50 and the secondmodular element door 50 on thegate assembly 30 between open and closed positions. Of course, such anopening 260 likewise provides a conduit or passage extending across the entire bottom orlower surface 56 ofdoor 50. Opening 260 would normally permit dirt, dust, smoke, water and related debris to enter and, thus, contaminate thedischarge plenum 57 and thelower surface 56 of thedoor 50. Still another aspect of the present invention relates to providing a portion ofseal structure 220 such asseal 262 transversely across theopening 260 between thelower surface 56 of thedoor 50 and the secondmodular element door 50 in a manner sealing theopening 260 to prevent contamination of thelower surface 56 of thedoor 50 and thedischarge plenum 57. - Suffice it to say,
seal 262 is substantially identical to seal 222 discussed above. Theseal 262 is preferably mounted to an exterior of and extends generally parallel to endwall 42 offrame 32. Moreover,seal 262 extends across thelower surface 56 ofdoor 50 and between thetracks pinion assembly 100. Furthermore, theseal 262 extends across the secondmodular element door 50 on thegate assembly 30. As such, theseal 262 functions as a compression/wiper seal. Notably, the dual radial surfaces onseal 262 advantageously extend in tangential relationship with thedoor 50 and the secondmodular element door 50 such that thesingle seal 262 serves a dual purpose while permitting horizontal movement of theelements seal 262 is configured to permit its energization in either linear direction of movement or travel of theelements - In the event it is desired to discharge commodity from the enclosure12 of the
hopper car 10 by means of pneumatics, thegate assembly 30 of the present invention is configured or conditioned with adoor 50 and the opentop pan assembly 60 as the modular element arranged in combination with thedoor 50. Advantageously, thedrive mechanism 88 of thegate assembly 30 allows for a predetermined range of free rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 before the lost motion connection between thedrive mechanism 88 and thedoor 50 collapses. In a preferred form of the invention, the range of free rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 ranges between about 90° and about 360°. In a most preferred from of the invention, the range of free rotation of the operatingshaft assembly 90 is about 125°. - As will be appreciated, after the lost motion connection between the
drive mechanism 88 and thedoor 50 collapses, the operatingshaft assembly 90 will have had a range of free rotation thus allowing a relatively high impactual force or load to be imparted to thedoor 50. The relatively high impactual force on thedoor 50 assists in moving thedoor 50 toward an open position. Once thedoor 50 is moved to an open position, the commodity in the enclosure 12 ofcar 10 freely passes into the opentop pan assembly 60 for subsequent pneumatic discharge. - In the event that it is desired to discharge the commodity from the enclosure12 of the
car 10 by means of gravity only, thegate assembly 30 of the present invention would be conditioned such thatdoor 50 is mounted on theframe 32 in combination with thesanitary plate 80 as the modular element. Advantageously,pan assembly 60 is secured to theframe 32 in the same manner to allow for its linear movement relative to theframe 32 thus yielding a unique modular design which readily lends itself to use of either component orelement gate assembly 30. Notably, and as will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention, bothmodular elements customer attachment flange 58, theplenum chamber 57, as well as theunderside 56 of thedoor 50. - When the
sanitary plate 80 is arranged in combination with thegate assembly 30 as the other modular element, thedrive mechanism 88 assures theplate 80 is removed from the beneath thedoor 50 before thedoor 50 is moved to an open position thereby eliminating the risk of placing substantial weight on a modular component not designed to support such weight. Additionally, moving the lowermodular element gate assembly 30. That is, regardless of the setting or conditioning of theapparatus 116, thesanitary plate 80 will be moved in timed relation relative to thedoor 50 and in such a manner thereby avoiding weighty placement of any commodity thereon. Alternatively, thesanitary plate 80 is configured to inhibit debris such as dirt, water, smoke and related matter from contaminating thedischarge plenum 57 or theunderside 56 of thedoor 50. - The
seal structure 220 of the present invention furthermore facilitates sealing of theframe 32,door 50, and themodular element frame 32 relative to each other thereby inhibiting contaminants from moving therepast. The radial surfaces 230, 240 on theseal structure 220 are preferably arranged in tangential relationship relative to the surfaces they are to seal thereby promoting linear movement of theelements seal structure 220 to maintain a sealing relationship therewith. The dual radial surface design furthermore promotes reversal of theseal structure 220 or use of the seal as a compression/wiper seal having energization abilities in either linear direction of movement of the elements with which it maintains a sealing relationship. Moreover, theseal structure 220 yields a continuous sealing function regardless of the linear position of the doorm50 thus promoting the ability to throttle the flow rate of the commodity through the gate assembly. - From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and novel scope of the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Rather, the disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims (120)
1. In a closure assembly for a discharge outlet defined by a frame, a door mounted for sliding movement on said frame for closing said opening, and a drive mechanism for selectively interconnecting said door to a shaft mounted on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis, said drive mechanism including a rack and pinion assembly and a lost motion connection for permitting a rack of said rack and pinion assembly to linearly move in response to rotation of said shaft without corresponding movement of said door thereby allowing for a predetermined rotation of said shaft in a direction to open the door during collapse of the lost motion connection upon which a relatively high impactual opening force is applied to said door to enhance opening of the door while thereafter effecting simultaneous rotation of the shaft and linear movement of the door.
2. The closure assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism further includes an apparatus for interconnecting said rack to said door following collapse of said lost motion.
claim 1
3. The closure assembly according to wherein said rack comprises a pair of generally parallel tracks carried on said frame along opposed sides of said door and which are maintained in intermeshing engagement with pinions mounted on and for rotation with said shaft whereby rotation of said shaft moves said tracks relative to said frame.
claim 1
4. The closure assembly according to wherein said tracks are mounted to said frame such that an extremely low coefficient of friction exists between said tracks and said frame thereby promoting linear movement of said tracks upon rotation of said shaft.
claim 3
5. The closure assembly according to wherein said door is in the form of a flat plate which is slidably movable across said opening and relative to said frame.
claim 1
6. The closure assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism further includes a manually operated apparatus for selectively interconnecting said drive mechanism to said flat plate.
claim 5
7. The closure assembly according to wherein said apparatus comprises a selector carried by and movable with said rack of said rack and pinion assembly, said selector being arranged to operate in combination with a latch carried on said door.
claim 6
8. The closure assembly according to wherein a predetermined spacing is provided between the selector of said manually operated apparatus and said latch on said door when said door is in a closed position such that said shaft is permitted a predetermined angle of rotation prior to movement of said door toward an open position thereby applying said relatively high impactual opening force to said door after said shaft moves said selector and said latch into operative combination relative to each other.
claim 7
9. The closure assembly according to further including an indicator operably interposed between said shaft and said drive mechanism for providing an indication whether said drive mechanism has been operated to move said door.
claim 1
10. In a closure assembly for a discharge outlet defined by a generally rectangularly shaped frame having a pair of generally parallel side walls rigidly joined to each other by a pair of end walls, a door slidably mounted on said frame for movement along a predetermined path of travel and for closing said outlet, rack structure slidably mounted on said frame, a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame, pinion structure mounted on said shaft and engaging said rack structure such that said rack structure is positively moved upon rotation of and in a direction dependent upon the direction of rotation of said shaft, and wherein said rack structure is lost motion connected to said door for enabling rotation of said shaft and thereby sliding movement of said rack structure in a gate moving direction during collapse of the lost motion to apply a relatively high impactual force to initiate movement of said door.
11. The closure assembly according to wherein said rack structure comprises a pair of elongated racks extending generally parallel with opposed sides of said door.
claim 10
12. The closure assembly according to wherein each rack of said rack structure is vertically spaced from said frame such that a low coefficient of friction is provided therebetween when said racks are positively displaced relative to said frame.
claim 11
13. The closure assembly according to wherein the racks of said rack structure are disposed outwardly from and generally parallel to opposed sides of said door.
claim 11
14. The closure assembly according to further including seal structure extending across and generally parallel to both ends walls of said frame, said seal structure having a length generally equal to a distance separating opposed sides of said door.
claim 13
15. The closure assembly according to wherein said door comprises a generally flat plate with a latch extending therefrom and movable therewith.
claim 10
16. The closure assembly according to wherein an apparatus is provided between and connects said shaft and said door, said apparatus being responsive to rotation of said shaft.
claim 15
17. The closure assembly according to wherein said apparatus comprises a manually positionable selector movable between a first operative position, wherein said selector is in the path of movement of said door and engages said latch, and a second position.
claim 16
18. The closure assembly according to wherein a predetermined spacing is provided between said selector and said latch when said door is in a closed position relative to said frame such that said shaft is permitted a predetermined range of rotation prior to imparting an opening movement to said door.
claim 17
19. The closure assembly according to wherein said apparatus is biased to urge said selector toward said second position.
claim 17
20. The closure assembly according to further including an indicator operatively disposed in combination with said shaft for providing a visual indication of whether said shaft has been rotated to move said door toward an open position.
claim 10
21. A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a rigid frame defining a generally centralized opening;
a first element carried by said frame and extending across said opening;
a second element carried by said frame and extending across said opening, said first and second elements being arranged in vertically spaced relation relative to each other; and
a drive mechanism carried on said frame and selectively engagable with and capable of moving either said first or second elements relative to said frame and toward an open position.
22. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism comprises an operating shaft assembly supported on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis.
claim 20
23. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein a lost motion mechanism is provided between said operating shaft assembly and each of said first and second elements for permitting rotation of said operating shaft assembly through a predetermined range of rotation prior to imparting movement to said first element relative to said frame.
claim 22
24. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism further includes a rack and pinion assembly arranged in combination with said operating shaft assembly, with said rack and pinion assembly including a pair of pinions mounted on said operating shaft assembly in laterally spaced relation relative to each other and a pair of laterally spaced racks in intermeshing relation with said pinions, with said racks being slidably mounted on said frame for reciprocal movement relative to said first and second elements.
claim 22
25. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said racks are vertically spaced from said frame to lower the coefficient of friction between said racks and said frame.
claim 24
26. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is provided between said racks and said frame to effect the vertical spacing therebetween.
claim 25
27. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism further includes a manually operable apparatus arranged in operative combination with said rack and pinion assembly for selectively coupling either said first element or said second element to said operating shaft assembly.
claim 24
28. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus comprises a control rod mounted for endwise movement and including an actuator for operably engaging said first element or said second element depending upon the endwise disposition of said control rod relative to said frame.
claim 27
29. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a detent mechanism for releasably holding said control rod in a selected endwise position relative to said frame.
claim 28
30. The discharge gate assembly according to further including a spring for resiliently urging said control rod in a predetermined direction relative to said frame.
claim 28
31. The gate assembly according to wherein a seal is provided in combination with said operating shaft for visually indicating whether said operating shaft assembly has been rotated to move either said first element or said second element toward an open position.
claim 21
32. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a pan assembly mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 21
33. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said pan assembly for inhibiting debris from moving therepast toward the centralized opening in said frame.
claim 32
34. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a plate mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 21
35. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said plate for inhibiting contamination of an underside of said door.
claim 34
36. A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a rigid frame defining a generally centralized opening;
a first element carried by said frame and extending across said opening;
a second element carried by said frame and extending across said opening, said first and second elements being arranged in vertically spaced relation relative to each other; and
an apparatus for selectively connecting either said first element or said second element to an actuating mechanism such that said first element or said second element is moved toward an open position and relative to said frame in response to operation of said actuating mechanism.
37. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said actuating mechanism comprises an operating shaft assembly rotatable relative to said frame about a fixed axis.
claim 36
38. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said actuating mechanism includes a lost motion mechanism allowing for rotation of said operating shaft assembly through a predetermined range of rotation prior to said first element being moved toward said open position.
claim 37
39. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said actuating mechanism includes rack and pinion assembly operated through rotation of an operating shaft assembly carried on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis.
claim 36
40. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said rack and pinion assembly includes a pair of pinions mounted in laterally spaced relation on said operating shaft assembly and a pair of laterally spaced racks in intermeshing engagement with said pinions.
claim 39
41. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said racks are disposed in spaced and slidable relation relative to said first element and said second element.
claim 40
42. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said racks are mounted in spaced relation relative to said frame to reduce the coefficient of friction therebetween.
claim 41
43. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus is arranged in operative combination with said rack and pinion assembly for selectively coupling said first element or said second element to said actuating mechanism.
claim 39
44. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus is arranged in operative combination with and is responsive to rotation of said operating shaft assembly.
claim 37
45. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus comprises a control rod mounted for endwise movement and including an actuator for operably engaging either said first element or said second element depending upon the endwise disposition of said control rod relative to said frame.
claim 44
46. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a detent mechanism for releasably holding said control rod in a selected endwise position relative to said frame.
claim 45
47. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a spring for biasing said control rod in a predetermined direction relative to said frame.
claim 45
48. The gate assembly according to wherein a seal is provided in combination with said actuating mechanism for visually indicating whether said actuating mechanism has been operated to move either said first element or said second element toward an open position.
claim 36
49. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a pan assembly mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 36
50. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said pan assembly.
claim 49
51. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a plate mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 36
52. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said plate for inhibiting contamination of an underside of said door.
claim 51
53. A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, comprising:
a rigid frame defining a discharge opening;
a first element carried on said frame for generally linear sliding movement along a predetermined path of travel and in opposed directions extending across said opening and between open and closed positions;
a second element carried on said frame in vertically spaced relation relative to said first element, said second element being slidably movable along a generally linear predetermined path of travel and in opposed directions extending across said opening and between open and closed positions; and
a manually conditioned apparatus engagable with said first and second elements and operable to selectively move said first or second element from its closed position to its open position or releasably lock said first and second elements relative to said frame depending upon the condition of said apparatus; and
a single operating shaft carried on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis and arranged in operable combination with said apparatus for imparting sliding movements in opposed directions to said first and second elements.
54. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said frame has a generally rectangular configuration including a pair of generally parallel laterally spaced side walls rigidly joined to a pair of generally parallel end walls, said frame further defining a plenum chamber arranged in depending and surrounding relation relative to said discharge opening.
claim 53
55. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said operating shaft is lost motion connected to said apparatus thereby allowing a predetermined range of free rotation of said operating shaft prior to said first element being moved toward an open position and relative to said frame.
claim 53
56. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said second element moves a further linear distance between its open and closed positions than does said first element.
claim 53
57. The discharge gate assembly according to further including a rack and pinion assembly arranged in operative combination with said operating shaft for moving said first element or said second element relative to said frame.
claim 54
58. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said rack and pinion assembly comprises a pair of laterally spaced pinions arranged on said operating shaft and in intermeshing relation relative to a pair of laterally spaced racks, said racks being mounted on said frame in generally parallel relation relative to said side walls.
claim 57
59. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said racks are slidably mounted on said frame in linearly movable relation relative to said first and second elements.
claim 58
60. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said racks are spaced from said frame to lower the coefficient of friction established therebetween when said racks are slidably moved relative to said frame.
claim 59
61. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus is arranged in operative combination with said rack and pinion assembly and when said apparatus is in a first condition and said racks are slidably moved said apparatus moves therewith toward and away from an end wall of said frame depending upon the direction of rotation of said operating shaft.
claim 59
62. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus includes a manually movable rod mounted for generally linear movement along a path extending generally parallel with an end wall of said frame, said rod having mounted thereon an actuator extending into the predetermined path of travel and capable of engaging either said first element or said second element as a function of the linear disposition of said rod.
claim 61
63. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further comprises a detent mechanism for releasably holding said rod in a selected position relative to said frame.
claim 62
64. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a spring for resiliently biasing said rod and said actuator toward a predetermined linear position.
claim 62
65. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said spring automatically returns said apparatus to a second condition whereby locking said apparatus and thereby said rack and pinion assembly relative to said frame so as to require operator intervention to effect movement of said first or second elements.
claim 64
66. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes cam structure for automatically placing said apparatus in said second condition when said operating shaft is operated to position said apparatus adjacent an end wall of said frame.
claim 65
67. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a pan assembly mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 53
68. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said pan assembly.
claim 67
69. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door slidably mounted on said frame and said second element is a plate mounted on said frame for sliding movement beneath said door.
claim 53
70. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said plate for inhibiting contamination of an underside of said door.
claim 69
71. A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, comprising:
a rigid frame defining an opening;
a vacuum pan assembly carried for sliding linear movement on said frame along a predetermined path of travel between a first position, wherein said vacuum pan assembly underlies the opening defined by said frame, and a second position, wherein the pan assembly is slidably removed from beneath the opening defined by said frame, said vacuum pan assembly having a pneumatic discharge conduit extending outwardly therefrom in a direction extending transverse to the direction of movement of the pan assembly;
a door operably interposed between the opening in said frame and said vacuum pan assembly, said door being slidably mounted on said frame for linear movement along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions;
a mechanism for selectively engaging and moving either said door alone or said vacuum pan assembly from beneath the opening in said frame so as to selectively adapt the gate assembly for either gravity discharge or pneumatic discharge of material therethrough.
72. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said mechanism includes an operating shaft supported on the frame for rotation about a fixed axis.
claim 71
73. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein a lost motion drive is provided between said operating shaft and said door such that said pan assembly moves a greater distance between said open and closed positions than does said door when said door moves between open and closed positions.
claim 72
74. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said mechanism further includes a rack and pinion assembly arranged in combination with said operating shaft assembly.
claim 72
75. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said rack and pinion assembly includes a pair of pinions mounted on said operating shaft assembly in laterally spaced relation relative to each other and a pair of laterally spaced racks in intermeshing relation with said pinions, said racks being slidably mounted on said frame for reciprocal movement relative to said door and pan assembly.
claim 74
76. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said mechanism further includes a manually operated apparatus arranged in combination with said rack and pinion assembly for selectively coupling either said pan assembly or said door to said operating shaft assembly.
claim 75
77. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus comprises a control rod mounted for endwise movement and including an actuator for operably engaging said pan assembly or said door depending upon the endwise disposition of said control rod relative to said frame.
claim 76
78. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a detent mechanism for releasably holding said control rod in a selected endwise position relative to said frame.
claim 77
79. The gate assembly according to wherein said apparatus further includes a spring for resiliently urging said control rod in a predetermined direction relative to said frame.
claim 77
80. The discharge gate assembly according to further including a seal arranged in combination with the operating shaft of said mechanism said for providing a visual indication whether said mechanism has been operated to move said pan assembly or said door toward an open position.
claim 71
81. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure disposed between said frame, pan assembly and said door for inhibiting debris from passing therebetween.
claim 71
82. A railroad hopper car having an enclosure for holding and transporting materials and a discharge opening through which the material in said enclosure is discharged from said hopper car, and a gate assembly for controlling the discharge of material from said hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a rigid frame disposed about said discharge opening;
an open top pan assembly having a pneumatic outlet port, said pan assembly being slidably mounted on said frame for movement between a first discharge position beneath said discharge opening and a second position removed from said discharge opening;
a door operably mounted on said frame between said discharge opening and said pan assembly for sliding movement between a closed position beneath said discharge opening and an open position away from said discharge opening; and
an apparatus for moving either said pan assembly from said first discharge position to said second open position or said door from said closed position to said open position such that said gate assembly can be selectively conditioned for either gravitational or pneumatic discharge of materials; and
a single operating shaft carried on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis and arranged in operable combination with said apparatus for imparting independent sliding movements in opposed directions to said pan assembly and said door.
83. The railroad hopper car according to wherein said frame has a generally rectangular configuration including a pair of generally parallel laterally spaced side walls rigidly joined to a pair of generally parallel end walls, said frame further defining a plenum chamber arranged in depending and surrounding relation relative to said discharge opening.
claim 82
84. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus is lost motion connected to said door thereby allowing a predetermined range of free rotation of said operating shaft prior to said door being moved toward an open position.
claim 82
85. The hopper car according to wherein the lost motion connection allows said pan assembly to move a greater distance between said first and second positions than does said door between said open and closed positions.
claim 84
86. The hopper car according to further including a rack and pinion assembly arranged in operative combination with said operating shaft for moving said pan assembly or said door relative to said frame.
claim 82
87. The hopper car according to wherein said rack and pinion assembly comprises a pair of laterally spaced pinions arranged on said operating shaft and in intermeshing relation relative to a pair of laterally spaced racks, said racks being mounted on said frame in generally parallel relation relative to said side walls.
claim 86
88. The hopper car according to wherein said racks are slidably mounted on said frame in linearly movable relation relative to said pan assembly and said door.
claim 86
89. The hopper car according to wherein said racks are spaced from said frame to lower the coefficient of friction established therebetween when said racks are slidably moved relative to said frame.
claim 88
90. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus is arranged in operative combination with said rack and pinion assembly such that when said apparatus is in a first condition and said racks are slidably moved said apparatus moves therewith toward and away from an end wall of said frame depending upon the direction of rotation of said operating shaft.
claim 86
91. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus includes a manually movable rod mounted for generally linear movement along a path extending generally parallel with an end wall of said frame, said rod having mounted thereon an actuator extending into the predetermined path of travel and capable of engaging either said pan assembly or said door as a function of the linear disposition of said rod.
claim 90
92. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus further comprises a detent mechanism for releasably holding said rod in a selected position relative to said frame.
claim 91
93. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus further includes a spring for resiliently biasing said rod and said actuator toward a predetermined linear position.
claim 91
94. The hopper car according to wherein said spring automatically returns said apparatus to a second condition whereby locking said apparatus and thereby said rack and pinion assembly relative to said frame so as to require operator intervention to effect movement of said pan assembly or said door relative to said frame.
claim 93
95. The hopper car according to wherein said apparatus further includes cam structure for automatically placing said apparatus in a locked condition thereby requiring operator intervention when said operating shaft is operated to position said apparatus adjacent an end wall of said frame.
claim 94
96. The hopper car according to further including seal structure arranged in combination with said door and said pan assembly.
claim 82
97. The hopper car according to further including a seal arranged in combination with said operating shaft for visually indicating whether the operating shaft has been operated to move either said door toward an open position or said pan assembly toward said second position.
claim 82
98. A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a generally rectangularly shaped frame defining an opening, said frame including a pair of generally parallel side walls and a pair of generally parallel end walls;
a first element carried by said frame for reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a closed position, whereat said first element extend across and closes said opening, and a second open position;
a second element carried by said frame for reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a closed position, whereat said second element extends across and closes said opening, and a second open position, said first and second elements being arranged in vertically spaced relation relative to each other;
a drive mechanism capable of moving said first and second elements relative to said frame; and
seal structure arranged in combination with said first and second elements and extending generally parallel to said end walls of said frame to effectively seal the frame along with said first and second elements relative to each other, said seal structure comprising an elongated and hollow elastomeric member configured for energization regardless of the direction of movement of said first and second elements.
99. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said drive mechanism includes an operating shaft assembly rotatably mounted on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis and a rack and pinion assembly arranged in operable combination with said operating shaft assembly, said rack and pinion assembly including a pair of laterally spaced racks arranged in generally parallel relation relative to the side walls of said frame.
claim 98
100. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein a lengthwise portion of said seal structure is carried by said frame between said first and second elements and between said laterally spaced racks.
claim 99
101. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said elastomeric member has a first radial surface arranged in tangential engaging relation relative to a flat surface on said first or second element thereby allowing said first or second element to move in either linear direction while maintaining a sealing relationship therewith.
claim 98
102. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said radial surface has an elongated rib projecting therefrom and extending therealong to enhance the sealing ability of the seal structure relative to said first or second elements.
claim 101
103. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said elongated member has a mounting portion defining an axis extending generally parallel to the path of travel of said door.
claim 101
104. The discharge gate assembly according to further including a second radial surface disposed in opposed relation from said first radial surface and in tangential relation relative to a flat surface on said first or second element.
claim 103
105. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said second radial surface has an elongated rib projecting therefrom and extending therealong to enhance the sealing ability of the seal structure relative to said first or second elements.
claim 104
106. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door and said second element is a pan assembly disposed in vertically spaced relation beneath said door.
claim 98
107. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said first element is a door and said second element is plate disposed in vertically spaced relation beneath said door for inhibiting contamination of an underside of said door.
claim 98
108. A railroad hopper car having an enclosure for holding and transporting materials and a discharge opening through which the material in said enclosure is discharged from said hopper car, and a gate assembly for controlling the discharge of material from said hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a rigid generally rectangularly shaped frame disposed about said discharge opening, said frame including a pair of depending and generally parallel side walls and a pair of depending and generally parallel end walls;
an open top pan assembly having a pneumatic outlet port, said pan assembly being slidably mounted on said frame for reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a first discharge position beneath said discharge opening and a second position removed from said discharge opening;
a door operably mounted on said frame between said discharge opening and said pan assembly for sliding reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a closed position beneath said discharge opening and an open position away from said discharge opening;
a drive mechanism mounted on said frame for moving said pan assembly from said first discharge position to said second open position or said door from said closed position to said open position such that said gate assembly can be selectively conditioned for either gravitational or pneumatic discharge of materials; and
seal structure extending generally parallel to said end walls of said frame to effectively seal the vertical space between said pan assembly and said door, said seal structure comprising an elongated and hollow elastomeric member configured for energization regardless of the direction of movement of said pan assembly and when compressed between said pan assembly and said door.
109. The railroad hopper car according to wherein said drive mechanism includes an operating shaft assembly rotatably mounted on said frame for rotation about a fixed axis and a rack and pinion assembly arranged in operable combination with said operating shaft assembly, said rack and pinion assembly including a pair of laterally spaced racks arranged in generally parallel relation relative to the side walls of said frame.
claim 108
110. The hopper car according to wherein a lengthwise portion of said seal structure is carried by said frame between said door and said pan assembly and between said laterally spaced racks.
claim 109
111. The hopper car according to wherein said elongated member has a generally centralized mounting portion with an aperture defining an axis extending generally parallel to the path of movement of said door, said elongated member further defining a first radial surface disposed to one side of said mounting portion and extending generally tangential to the path of movement of said door and a second radial surface disposed to an opposite side of said mounting portion and extending generally tangential to the path of movement of said pan assembly.
claim 108
112. The hopper car according to wherein each radial surface on said elongated member includes a projecting rib extending longitudinally along said radial surface.
claim 111
113. A discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car, said gate assembly comprising:
a generally rectangularly shaped rigid frame defining an opening, said frame being configured to mount a door for sliding reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between open and closed positions, and wherein said frame defines a series of walls depending below the path of travel of said door to define an open bottom chamber with flanges extending about a bottom thereof to permit a discharge boot to be fitted thereagainst, said frame being further configured to slidably mount for movement along a generally horizontal path of travel disposed beneath the path of travel of said door either of two modular components thereon, said modular components comprising an open top pan assembly including an outlet port or a cover plate for inhibiting contamination of an undersurface of said door and said chamber whereby allowing said gate assembly to effect either pneumatic discharge of material or gravitational discharge of material as a function of which modular component is fitted to the frame; and
a manually operated drive carried on said frame for slidably moving said door and either of said modular components relative to said frame.
114. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein said frame includes rails outwardly projecting to opposite sides of said frame, and wherein each modular component includes hook-like configurations extending along opposite sides thereof and into cooperative relationship relative to said rails whereby allowing said modular components to slide along a predetermined path of travel defined by said rails.
claim 113
115. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure extending generally normal to and between said rails for sealing said frame, door and the modular component relative to each other.
claim 114
116. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein, after said modular element is mounted on said frame, each hook-like configuration on said modular component is vertically spaced from a respective rail on said frame so as to reduce the coefficient of friction therebetween when said modular component is slidably moved relative to said frame.
claim 114
117. A railroad hopper car having an enclosure for holding and transporting granular food material and a discharge opening through which said food materials are discharged from said enclosure, and a gate assembly for controlling the discharge of material from said enclosure, said gate assembly comprising:
a generally rectangularly shaped rigid frame defining an opening arranged in registry with the discharge opening on said hopper car, said frame being configured to mount a door for sliding reciprocal movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between open and closed positions, and wherein said frame defines a series of walls depending below the path of travel of said door to define an open bottom chamber with flanges extending about a bottom thereof to permit a discharge boot to be fitted thereagainst, said frame being further configured to slidably mount for movement along a generally horizontal path of travel disposed beneath the path of travel of said door either of two modular components thereon, said modular components comprising an open top pan assembly including an outlet port or a cover plate for inhibiting contamination of an undersurface of said door whereby allowing either pneumatic discharge of material or gravitational discharge of material from said enclosure on said hopper car as a function of which modular component is fitted to the frame; and
a manually operated drive carried on said frame for slidably moving said door and either of said modular components relative to said frame.
118. The hopper car according to wherein said frame includes rails outwardly projecting to opposite sides of said frame, and wherein each modular component includes hook-like configurations extending along opposite sides thereof and into cooperative relationship relative to said rails whereby allowing said modular components to slide along a predetermined path of travel defined by said rails.
claim 117
119. The discharge gate assembly according to further including seal structure extending generally normal to and between said rails for sealing said frame, door and the modular component relative to each other.
claim 118
120. The discharge gate assembly according to wherein, after said modular element is mounted on said frame, each hook-like configuration of said modular component is vertically spaced from a respective rail on said frame so as to reduce the coefficient of friction therebetween when said modular component is slidably moved relative to said frame.
claim 114
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/827,621 US6412421B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2001-04-06 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/156,430 US6263803B1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
US09/827,621 US6412421B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2001-04-06 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/156,430 Division US6263803B1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010015152A1 true US20010015152A1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
US6412421B2 US6412421B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
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Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/156,430 Expired - Lifetime US6263803B1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
US09/827,600 Expired - Fee Related US6412422B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2001-04-06 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
US09/827,621 Expired - Fee Related US6412421B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2001-04-06 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/156,430 Expired - Lifetime US6263803B1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
US09/827,600 Expired - Fee Related US6412422B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2001-04-06 | Gate assembly for a railroad hopper car |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US6263803B1 (en) |
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US20050166788A1 (en) * | 2004-01-30 | 2005-08-04 | Early Stephen R. | Railway hopper car discharge gate |
US7367271B2 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2008-05-06 | Aero Transportation Products, Inc. | Railway hopper car discharge gate |
US20050263031A1 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-01 | Early Stephen R | Drive system for a railway hopper car discharge gate |
US7171907B2 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2007-02-06 | Aero Transportation Products | Drive system for a railway hopper car discharge gate |
US20130233199A1 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2013-09-12 | Stephen R. Early | Hopper Car Gate Assembly with a Door Having Vertically Spaced Sections |
US8850991B2 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2014-10-07 | Aero Transportation Products, Inc. | Hopper car gate assembly with a door having vertically spaced sections |
US11780175B2 (en) | 2012-08-21 | 2023-10-10 | Nuvasive, Inc. | Systems and methods for making porous films, fibers, spheres, and other articles |
US9908296B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2018-03-06 | Vertera Spine | Apparatus and process for producing porous devices |
US11672637B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2023-06-13 | Nuvasive, Inc. | Porous devices and processes for producing same |
US9764502B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2017-09-19 | Vertera, Inc. | Apparatus and process for producing porous devices |
US9848973B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2017-12-26 | Vertera, Inc | Porous devices and processes for producing same |
US10226883B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2019-03-12 | Vertera, Inc. | Mold and process for producing porous devices |
US10405962B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2019-09-10 | Vertera, Inc. | Porous devices and methods of producing the same |
US10507606B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2019-12-17 | Vertera, Inc. | Mold and process for producing porous devices |
US10786344B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2020-09-29 | Vertera, Inc. | Porous devices and processes for producing same |
US11090843B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2021-08-17 | Vertera, Inc. | Method for producing porous devices |
US20170057128A1 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2017-03-02 | Vertera, Inc. | Apparatus and process for producing porous devices |
US11298217B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2022-04-12 | Vertera, Inc. | Porous devices and processes for producing same |
US11772306B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2023-10-03 | Nuvasive, Inc. | Method for producing porous devices |
US9855709B2 (en) | 2014-12-31 | 2018-01-02 | Vertera, Inc. | Method for producing porous device |
USD815281S1 (en) | 2015-06-23 | 2018-04-10 | Vertera, Inc. | Cervical interbody fusion device |
USD944990S1 (en) | 2015-06-23 | 2022-03-01 | Vertera, Inc. | Cervical interbody fusion device |
US11400911B2 (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2022-08-02 | Davanac Inc. | Enhanced railway equipment and related integrated systems |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6412422B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
US6412421B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
US6263803B1 (en) | 2001-07-24 |
US20010015151A1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
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