Richard L Zagrocki

Title: Richard L. Zagrocki and a Railway Tank Car Outlet Valve

Introduction

Richard L. Zagrocki is an inventor associated with Griffith, Indiana, and Union Tank Car Company. His patent work addresses the operation of a railway tank car’s outlet valve, with a design intended to make the valve easier to operate from beside the car.

Latest Patents

Zagrocki is credited with 1 patent: “Outlet Valve Assembly with an Extended Handle for a Railway Tank Car.” The invention describes a valve mounted at the bottom of a tank car to discharge material downward between the tracks. A shaft extends horizontally from the valve, and a handle attached to the shaft turns it to move the valve between closed and open positions. The handle’s length and placement are designed to let a person standing upright beside the car, outside the tracks, operate the valve through its required arc.

Career Highlights

The patent reflects a practical focus on railway equipment and operator access. By extending the handle and positioning its connection to the valve, the design aims to allow operation from a safer, more accessible location beside the tank car.

Collaborations

Zagrocki is associated with Union Tank Car Company. His listed coworker is Thomas H. Dalrymple.

Conclusion

Richard L. Zagrocki’s patent presents a straightforward railway equipment innovation: an extended-handle outlet valve designed to improve access to tank car discharge controls.