A vented end cap for an outlet gate comprises a generally cylindrical body, a disc-shaped end wall with at least one flow aperture; a vent hood on the exterior of the end wall defines an air flow passage having an inlet opening and communicates with the flow aperture; a filter support housing on the interior surface of the end wall, defines an air flow chamber having an exit opening communicating with the flow aperture, and with the interior of the vented end cap. A filter media is supported on filter support housing between the flow aperture and the exit opening. A railroad car outlet gate includes one of the vented end caps at each end of a discharge tube with outlet openings at each end. A method includes removal of one vented end cap and applying a vacuum to the uncovered discharge opening. In one form, a filter clean seal is disposed at each outlet opening.

A vented end cap for an outlet gate comprises a generally cylindrical body, a disc-shaped end wall with at least one flow aperture; a vent hood on the exterior of the end wall defines an air flow passage having an inlet opening and communicates with the flow aperture; a filter support housing on the interior surface of the end wall, defines an air flow chamber having an exit opening communicating with the flow aperture, and with the interior of the vented end cap. A filter media is supported on filter support housing between the flow aperture and the exit opening. A railroad car outlet gate includes one of the vented end caps at each end of a discharge tube with outlet openings at each end. A method includes removal of one vented end cap and applying a vacuum to the uncovered discharge opening. In one form, a filter clean seal is disposed at each outlet opening.

An automated hatch system tor a hopper railcar having a central longitudinal trough with coaming, having a unitary hatch cover; a plurality of guide rail, assemblies connecting one, side of the top of the railcar perpendicular to and adjacent a corresponding longitudinal edge of the coaming to the hatch, cover, wherein one guide rail assembly is positioned at each end of the trough and one or, more guide rail assemblies, are evenly spaced between the outermost guide rail assemblies; a cable network connecting the guide rail assemblies to the hatch and external coaming of the trough; and means for activating the cable network, to open and close, the hatch and to align the opposing ends of the hatch cover during opening and closing.

An automated hatch system tor a hopper railcar having a central longitudinal trough with coaming, having a unitary hatch cover; a plurality of guide rail, assemblies connecting one, side of the top of the railcar perpendicular to and adjacent a corresponding longitudinal edge of the coaming to the hatch, cover, wherein one guide rail assembly is positioned at each end of the trough and one or, more guide rail assemblies, are evenly spaced between the outermost guide rail assemblies; a cable network connecting the guide rail assemblies to the hatch and external coaming of the trough; and means for activating the cable network, to open and close, the hatch and to align the opposing ends of the hatch cover during opening and closing.

An direct drive automated hatch system for a hopper rail car with a central longitudinal trough with coaming and a unitary hatch cover; a plurality of guide rail assemblies connecting one side of the top of the railcar perpendicular to and adjacent a corresponding longitudinal edge of the coaming to the hatch cover, wherein one guide rail assembly is positioned at each end of the trough and one or more guide rail assemblies are evenly spaced between the outermost guide rail assemblies; a cable network connecting the guide rail assemblies to the batch and external coaming of the trough; and means for activating the cable network to open and close the hatch and to align the opposing ends of the hatch cover during opening and closing. A hatch cover open/closed indicator visible from the side of the railcar is provided.

An direct drive automated hatch system for a hopper rail car with a central longitudinal trough with coaming and a unitary hatch cover; a plurality of guide rail assemblies connecting one side of the top of the railcar perpendicular to and adjacent a corresponding longitudinal edge of the coaming to the hatch cover, wherein one guide rail assembly is positioned at each end of the trough and one or more guide rail assemblies are evenly spaced between the outermost guide rail assemblies; a cable network connecting the guide rail assemblies to the batch and external coaming of the trough; and means for activating the cable network to open and close the hatch and to align the opposing ends of the hatch cover during opening and closing. A hatch cover open/closed indicator visible from the side of the railcar is provided.

A railway vehicle (100) for moving material includes a first and a second railway wagon (1, 50), each of which extend between respective first and a second end portion (2, 3), the first and second railway wagons engaged at the second end portion (3) of the first railway wagon and at the first end portion (2) of the second railway wagon, wherein the first and second railway wagons each include: a platform (4), a carriage (5), a conveyor (6) carried by the platform (4) and having an operating section (T) configured to move the material along a advancement direction (A). The railway vehicle includes a connection device (7) carried by at least one of said first and second railway wagons (1, 50) and configured to define an intermediate section for connecting the operating sections of the conveyors of the first and second railway wagons.

A railway vehicle (100) for moving material includes a first and a second railway wagon (1, 50), each of which extend between respective first and a second end portion (2, 3), the first and second railway wagons engaged at the second end portion (3) of the first railway wagon and at the first end portion (2) of the second railway wagon, wherein the first and second railway wagons each include: a platform (4), a carriage (5), a conveyor (6) carried by the platform (4) and having an operating section (T) configured to move the material along a advancement direction (A). The railway vehicle includes a connection device (7) carried by at least one of said first and second railway wagons (1, 50) and configured to define an intermediate section for connecting the operating sections of the conveyors of the first and second railway wagons.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for transporting and dumping material. A hopper for receiving materials may include a bottom surface with a front portion, a central portion, and a rear portion. The central portion may be lower than the front portion and the rear portion. A bottom gate may be disposed in the central portion for discharging the materials from the hopper. Conveyors may be provided for moving material from the front portion and the rear portion towards the bottom gate. The conveyors may include a front conveyor coupled to the front portion and a rear conveyor coupled to the rear portion.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for transporting and dumping material. A hopper for receiving materials may include a bottom surface with a front portion, a central portion, and a rear portion. The central portion may be lower than the front portion and the rear portion. A bottom gate may be disposed in the central portion for discharging the materials from the hopper. Conveyors may be provided for moving material from the front portion and the rear portion towards the bottom gate. The conveyors may include a front conveyor coupled to the front portion and a rear conveyor coupled to the rear portion.