APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A RAILCAR DISCHARGE GATE ASSEMBLY

摘要

An apparatus for controlling operation of a railcar discharge gate assembly including a frame (14) defining a discharge opening (16) with a gate (18) slidably arranged on the frame (14) for movement along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions. The apparatus of the present invention includes an operating shaft (34) rotatably supported on the frame (14) for selectively moving the gate (18) between open and closed positions in response to rotation of the shaft (34). A lock assembly (36) is carried on the frame (14) and is operably coupled to the operating shaft (34). The lock assembly (36) includes a displaceable stop member (50) which, when the gate (18) is closed, extends into the path of travel of the gate (18) to prevent movement of the gate (18) relative the frame (14), and which moves in timed relation relative to movement of the gate (18) such that upon rotation of the operating shaft (34) to move the gate (18) to an open position, the stop member (50) is automatically removed from the path of travel of the gate (18) prior to movement of the gate (18).