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:
Feb. 02, 2010
Filed:
Nov. 20, 2008
Guadalupe L. Galvan, DeKalb, IL (US);
Guadalupe L. Galvan, DeKalb, IL (US);
Miner Enterprises, Inc., Geneva, IL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling discharge of commodity from a railcar having a hopper with at least two transversely spaced discharge openings and two laterally spaced and commonly joined pivotal doors arranged in registry with the two discharge openings. The control apparatus includes a transversely extending operating shaft and a linkage system operably connecting the operating shaft to the doors. A drive mechanism is operably connectable to the linkage system. The drive mechanism includes a powered driver for selectively operating the linkage mechanism to either simultaneously move the doors into their closed position or to simultaneously move the doors from their closed position. The powered driver of the drive mechanism is operably connected to a lever radially extending from the operating shaft. To releasably hold and maintain the doors in their closed position, a lock assembly is arranged in operable combination with the driver. The lock assembly can be operated in response to powered or manual movement of the doors. An indicator is also provided for providing a visual indication, from a side of the car, the operable condition of the lock assembly.