Torque application assembly for closure valve of a railroad hopper car outlet

摘要

A torque application assembly is provided comprising an operating shaft having a non-round connection portion. At least one metal washer is connected to the non-round portion of the shaft so as to be rotatable therewith. A resilient spring engages the metal washer, and a barrel nut is provided to apply a compressive force to the spring under a desired compressive force thereby to apply a desired torque to the shaft without applying any substantially longitudinal force to the shaft. At least one low friction material washer is located between the metal washer and a fixed wall whereby the shaft and the metal washer can rotate with a minimum frictional drag with respect to the fixed wall.