Operating mechanism for covers of a hopper railcar

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically opening and closing the covers of a covered hopper railroad car. After the covers are unlatched, the car is driven through the apparatus. The covers of the car are contacted by the bars of the apparatus, which lifts the covers to the open position. The car can then be filled. Continued advancement of the car causes the apparatus to close the hopper doors.

1 . An apparatus for automatically opening the covers of a covered hopper railroad car, comprising: 
 a railroad car;    a left hand cover and a right hand cover;    a single member for fitting under the forward edges of said covers;    two divergent numbers attached to said single member;    two parallel members each attached to one of said divergent members;    two additional parallel members for contacting said doors when said doors in the open position;    and two convergent members for allowing said doors to close.