The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 11, 1995
Filed:
Apr. 23, 1993
Dwain J Baltz, St. Peters, MO (US);
Roger A Dalske, Florissant, MO (US);
Dennis J Schipper, St. Charles, MO (US);
ACF Industries, Incorporated, , US;
Abstract
A sliding gate type gravity outlet (10) is for use on railcars (C) for discharging a lading. A pan assembly (12) defines an outlet pan (14) having a flange (18) attached to the discharge opening and sidewalls (20) sloping downwardly from the flange. A bottom portion of the sidewalls defines a discharge outlet (22) into which lading flows. An outlet gate (24) is movable relative to the opening to open and close the outlet. Lading to be discharged bears upon the gate when it is in its closed position. A rack and pinion gear arrangement (36) is used to move the gate back and forth between these positions, and a rod (62) guides movement of the gate. The gate sealingly abuts against a seal (32) when the gate is closed to prevent loss of lading. The guide mechanism sits at an angle (X1) with respect to the outlet, and the gate is set at a second and greater angle (X2) with respect thereto. As the gate moves from its closed to its open position, it is drawn away from the seal and does not slide over it. By being drawn away, rather than sliding over the seal, wear of the seal is reduced.