Patent ID: 6012397
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B61D

Abstract:
An outlet gate assembly for a hopper-type railway car, said assembly comprising:a frame defining a generally rectangular discharge opening;a generally rectangular discharge gate mounted on said frame for opening and closing the discharge opening, said gate being movable on the frame between opened and closed positions along a predetermined path of travel;a drive shaft mounted on said frame;a rack on said gate;a pinion gear mounted on said drive shaft, said pinion gear engaging said rack so that rotation of the drive shaft moves said gate between opened and closed positions; andan inertial latch mechanism including a latch movably mounted on said frame for movement between a latched position holding said gate in the closed position and an unlatched position, an inertial mass, a first connection movably securing the inertial mass to said frame and permitting movement of the inertial mass relative to the frame generally along the path; and a force-transmitting connection between said mass and said latch, whereby when the frame is impacted in a direction tending to open the gate the inertial mass generates an inertial force, the force-transmitting connection transmits the inertial force to the latch and the inertial force holds the latch in the latched position to prevent opening of the gate.