Hopper car with lading dislodgement fittings and method of operation

US7921783B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• National Steel Car Limited · CA

Inventors

• James W. Forbes · Campbellville, CA
• Tomasz Bis · Hamilton, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2008
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 31, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61D7/32
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The closure members come together to a closed condition or position for retaining lading. When apart, in an open position or condition, lading may be discharged. A seal member or seal member assembly is mounted to one or both of the closure members. The closure member may have a lading discharge encouragement feature, which may be in the nature of a tine, or blade, or knife that extends upwardly through the throat of the discharge section. Movement of the door may tend to move the blade, thereby tending to dislodge lading that may be otherwise reluctant to move.