US 12,459,547 B2
Hopper car outlet gate mechanical flap to prevent pellet loss
Gary A. Trujillo, Pasadena, TX (US)
Assigned to Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, The Woodlands, TX (US)
Filed by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, The Woodlands, TX (US)
Filed on Apr. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/713,388.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/171,192, filed on Apr. 6, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0315064 A1, Oct. 6, 2022
Int. Cl. B61D 7/22 (2006.01); B61D 7/18 (2006.01); B61D 7/26 (2006.01)
CPC B61D 7/22 (2013.01) [B61D 7/18 (2013.01); B61D 7/26 (2013.01)] 26 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An outlet gate/gate assembly for a hopper car, the outlet gate/gate assembly comprising:
a trough section, wherein the trough section comprises opposing slanted sheets and an end sheet at each end of the opposing slanted sheets, wherein the trough section defines a trough, and wherein each end sheet provides a trough discharge opening fluidly connected with the trough; and
an end tube/end adapter assembly fluidly connected with each end sheet, wherein the end tube/end adapter assembly comprises an end adapter, an outlet cap, and an end tube seal/end adapter gasket, wherein the end tube seal/end adapter gasket is positioned between the end sheet and the end adapter, wherein the end tube seal/end adapter gasket comprises a base plate and a primary/main flap, wherein the base plate defines a gasket discharge opening, and wherein the primary/main flap is connected to the base plate and configured such that, in a closed position, the primary/main flap completely covers the gasket discharge opening, wherein the outlet cap is positioned on a first side of the end adapter that is opposite of a second side where the end tube seal/end adapter gasket is positioned.