Valve for discharge outlet and actuating means therefore

Abstract

Valve means are provided in a discharge opening movable between a closed position blocking communication between a hopper compartment and a discharge conduit. The valve means comprises a segment of an arc which in a closed position spans the distance between outlet slope sheets and is rotatable to an open position located generally below one of the outlet slope sheets. Each arcuate segment is actuated by a gear means. Preferably a worm gear is located above the arcuate segment. A worm gear drive extends transversely of the outlet and is journalled for rotation in bearings sealed with respect to the interior of the outlet. Preferably the worm gear drive is hollow and an activating shaft is located within the worm gear drive which extends outwardly of the outlet side wall slope sheet and at this outlet end includes an operating handle. A first inner portion of the actuating shaft includes first gear engaging means such as a non-round portion which is adapted to engage a non-round end portion of the gear drive. The actuating shaft preferably extends to the far side of the outlet and includes at this end portion a second gear engaging means. The actuating shaft is preferably movable at least between a first position in which the first gear engaging means engage the gear on the near side of the outlet to move the near side valve means between open and closed positions, and a second position in which the actuating shaft is disengaged from the near side gear and is engaged with the far side gear to move the far side valve means between open and closed positions. Preferably the actuating shaft is also movable to a third position out of engagement with both the first and second gears.