Patent ID: 6286437
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B61D

Abstract:
An outlet gate assembly adapted to be mounted on a hopper container, said assembly comprising:a frame defining a generally rectangular discharge opening, said frame having a frame side member with a first slot extending through the frame side member, and spaced first and second rack openings to one side of the slot, each said rack opening having a width;a first gate mounted on the frame and extending through the first slot, the first gate having a width;a drive for moving the first gate between open and closed positions, the drive including a first rack mounted on one side of the first gate, a second rack mounted on said one side of the first gate, a shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, and a pair of pinions on the shaft engaging the racks to move the first gate through the slot between opened and closed positions in response to rotation of the shaft, each of said racks including an end;said first rack being aligned with the first rack opening and said second rack being aligned with the second rack opening;a first clamp plate on said one side of the gate adjacent the end of the first rack, said first clamp plate having a width greater than the width of the first rack opening and less than the width of the gate;a second clamp plate on one side of the gate adjacent the end of the second rack, said second clamp plate having a width greater than the width of the second rack opening and less than the width of the gate;said first clamp plate being spaced from said second clamp plate;each said clamp plate including a non-horizontal surface that is nearer to the pinion when the first gate is in the open position than when the first gate is in the closed position.