Rail car door closer
US7178464B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61D7/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A track mounted system for closing rail car doors that enables the simultaneous closing of multiple car doors. After hopper car contents such as aggregate or coal are unloaded, the doors are closed in pairs by semi-automated door closing arms that are positioned on the track and are operated by hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or electric motors. The closing arms are configured in specific shapes to adapt to a variety of hopper door configurations. The closing arms may be added in pairs depending on the number of doors. The door closer can be sequenced to accommodate frontward or rearward facing doors. Hydraulic cylinders with a differential bell crank can be used to activate the closer arm assemblies. Closer arms can be mounted side by side on the inside or outside of the track or separately inside and outside of the track.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.