Devices and systems for articulating an outlet gate door

Abstract

20 26 20 22 23 23 M ar 2 02 6 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 2 2 3 2 3 M a r 2 0 2 6 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 2 2 3 2 3 M a r 2 0 2 6 15 / 15 902 902 100 100 800 0000000000 000000 0000 0000000000 120a 120b800000 00 900 800 900 FIG. 17A FIG. 17B 20 26 20 22 23 23 M ar 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 2 2 3 2 3 M a r 2 0 2 6 - 9 0 2 9 0 2 1 0 0 8 0 0 COOODO 0000 0000000000 1 2 0 a 1 2 0 b 8 0 0 0 0 6 F I G . 1 7 A F I G . 1 7 B M a r 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 2 2 3 2 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 b 800006 00 F I G . 1 7 A F I G . 1 7 B

Description

BACKGROUND Technical Field.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for articulating a door plate. Discussion of Art.

[0002] Railway vehicles may include hopper cars featuring outlet gate doors that open to allow for loading the hopper car. Traditional outlet gate doors are typically comprised of multiple components that are joined together via welding or other methods of fastening utilizing both plate material and cast components. Among these methods are welding standard rack and pinions onto the outlet gate doors. Utilizing these processes with the current components increases labor, material, and manufacturing costs. Additionally, this process increases the opportunity for quality problems introduced by assembly variation. Finally, adding additional components increases weight of the outlet gate door. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] In accordance with one embodiment, a door plate includes a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an integrated rack. The integrated rack is defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between a first position and a second position. Each aperture has at least one wall configured to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position.

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, a gate system includes a housing, a shaft, a pinion gear, and a door plate. The housing defines an opening. The shaft is pivotally connected to the housing. The pinion gear is rotatably connected to the shaft to 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 selectively rotate. The pinion gear includes a body and a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body. The door plate is positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position. The door plate includes a first face that is coplanar with the opening of the housing, a second face, and an integrated rack. The integrated rack is defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between a first position and a second position. Each aperture has at least one wall configured to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position.

[0005] In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle gate system includes a hopper car, a housing, a shaft, a pinion gear, and a door plate. The housing is affixed to a side of the hopper car and defines an opening in the side of the hopper car. The shaft is pivotally connected to the housing. The pinion gear is rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate. The pinion gear includes a body and a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body. The door plate is positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position. The door plate includes a first face that is coplanar with the opening of the housing, a second face, and an integrated rack. The integrated rack is defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between a first position and a second position. Each aperture has at least one wall configured to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The inventive subject matter may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first side of a door plate.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a detail view of the door plate depicted in FIG. 1. 2026202223   23 Mar 2026

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second side of the door plate depicted in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the door plate shown in FIG. 1 coupled to a shaft and pinion gears.

[0011] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the door plate depicted in FIG. 4 shown in a first position.

[0012] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the door plate depicted in FIG. 4 shown in a second position.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a section view of a pinion gear engaging with a perpendicular wall of an integrated rack of a door plate.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a section view of a pinion gear engaging with angled walls of an integrated rack of a door plate.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a detail section view of a pinion gear engaging with a first angled wall of an integrated rack of a door plate.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a detail section view of a pinion gear engaging with a second angled wall of an integrated rack of a door plate.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a detail section view of a pinion gear engaging with an irregularly spaced integrated rack of a door plate.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a top view of a curved door plate.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of a pinion gear.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view of a pinion gear blank and door plate.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view of a tooth of a pinion gear.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a side view of a pinion gear prior to adding extra clearance.

[0023] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a gate system in a closed position. 2026202223   23 Mar 2026

[0024] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a gate system in an open position.

[0025] FIG. 17A is a schematic of a vehicle gate system in a closed position.

[0026] FIG. 17B is a schematic of a vehicle gate system in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to devices and systems for articulating an outlet gate door. Integrating a rack into the outlet gate door through the use of apertures reduces material and labor costs associated with an external rack while additionally removing the chances for quality error during manufacture and assembly of external components.

[0028] One general aspect includes a door plate. The door plate includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The door plate also includes an integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between a first position and a second position. Each aperture may include at least one wall configured to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position.

[0029] Implementations of the door plate may include one or more of the following features. For example, each aperture of the door plate may define an opening between the first face and the second face. The at least one wall may be positioned perpendicular to the first axis. The at least one wall may define an angle relative to the first axis. The angle may be between 10 and 80 degrees relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. Each aperture may include a second wall to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the second position to the first position. The at least one wall may define an angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and the second wall may be positioned at a negative of the angle, where the second wall mirrors the angle from perpendicular of the at least one wall. The plurality of apertures may be spaced at a constant pitch along the first axis. The at least one wall may include a surface finish to improve engagement with the pinion gear. 2026202223   23 Mar 2026

[0030] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a door plate 100. The door plate includes a first face 102. The plate also includes a second face 104, which is opposite the first face, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. With reference back to FIG. 1, the door plate also includes an integrated rack 106a, 106b defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures 108a, 108b on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis A defined by a direction of travel D of the door plate between a first position and a second position. Each aperture may include at least one wall 110 (see detail view in FIG. 2) to engage a pinion gear 112 (FIG. 4) coupled to a shaft 114 to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the door plate depicted in FIG. 4 shown in a first position 120a and FIG. 5B, which is a perspective view of the door plate depicted in FIG. 4 shown in a second position 120b. In FIG. 5A rotation of the shaft counterclockwise (CCW) translates the door plate in direction D1 and as shown in FIG. 5B rotation of the shaft clockwise (CW) translates the door plate in direction D2.

[0032] The first axis may be defined by a direction of motion of the door plate between a first position and a second position. The integrated rack may run parallel to the first axis. In other embodiments, the door plate may include multiple integrated racks to increase stability during translation of the door plate. The integrated rack may be defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The apertures may include at least one wall that engages with the pinion gear. In the current embodiment, there are two walls that engage with the pinion gear to allow for bidirectional travel. Additionally, the integrated rack may include side walls 120 defined by the apertures to confine the pinion gear to the predefined direction of travel.

[0033] FIG. 6 is sectioned view of the door plate and a sectioned view of a pinion gear engaging with an integrated rack of a door plate. The apertures of the door plate described herein may define openings between the first face and the second face. The pinion gear may comprise a body 116 and a plurality of teeth 118. The pinion gear is shown engaging with the door plate. The integrated rack system is defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on a first face that correspond to a uniform spacing G between the teeth of the pinion gear that corresponds to a uniform spacing G along the 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 integrated rack. Each aperture has walls to engage a tooth of the pinion gear. Selective engagement of the pinion gear with the walls of the integrated rack produces sufficient force to drive the door plate into motion between the first and second positions. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures may extend through the first face to the second face. The door plate may engage with at least one pinion gear on the first face, or the second face, or any combination thereof. The at least one wall may be positioned perpendicular to the first axis. The plurality of apertures may be spaced at a constant pitch along the first axis.

[0034] The walls may be positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel. In other embodiments, the walls may be positioned at a pitched angle. The angle of the walls may be increased while the distance between the apertures is decreased, mirroring the tooth shape of a traditional rack and thus allowing for the integrated rack to engage with a standard pinion gear.

[0035] FIG. 7 depicts a door plate 200 that includes a first side 202 and a second side 204 and a plurality of apertures 208a that define an integrated rack 206a. The apertures include at least one wall 210a that defines an angle 01 relative to the first axis as shown in the detail view of FIG. 8. The angle 01 may be between 10 and 80 degrees relative to an axis P that is perpendicular to the first axis. Each aperture may include a second wall 210b to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the second position to the first position. At least a second wall 210b may define an angle 02 relative to the axis that is perpendicular to the first axis as shown in the detail view of FIG. 9. The angle 02 defined by the second wall may be positioned at a negative of the angle 01. The first and second angles defined by the first and second walls, respectively, may be the same or may be different.

[0036] The at least first or second walls may include a surface finish to improve engagement with the pinion gear. Surface finishes may include mechanical texturing such as knurling or shot peening, abrasive surface treatment such as grit blasting / sandblasting, thermal spray such as plasma sprayed coatings, hard coatings such as tungsten carbide, textured laser surface treatment such as laser patterning, or surface coating with embedded grit such as anti-slip epoxy or grit paint. 2026202223   23 Mar 2026

[0037] While the integrated rack includes a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures, other embodiments may include non-uniformly spaced apertures. In these embodiments, the pinion gear is manufactured with irregularly spaced teeth that align with the irregularly spaced apertures of the integrated rack. One example of an integrated rack with nonuniformly spaced apertures is described in FIG. 10.

[0038] FIG. 10 depicts a sectioned view of a pinion gear 312 engaging with an irregularly spaced integrated rack 306a of a door plate 300. The pinion gear includes a body 316 and a plurality of teeth 318. The pinion gear includes a first spacing NG that corresponds with a first spacing NG along integrated rack and a second spacing G that corresponds with a second spacing G along the integrated rack.

[0039] While several embodiments of the integrated rack depict rectangular apertures, the shape of the aperture in not limited in this context. A functional aspect of the integrated rack is to provide a surface upon which the pinion gear can exert a force to initiate motion in a direction of travel. The pinion gear engages with a surface opposite each direction of travel. For example, the integrated rack may define ellipsoidal shaped apertures having a single wall. In this configuration, the pinion gear may engage in bidirectional travel, since the single wall fully encloses the aperture.

[0040] FIG. 11 depicts a door plate 400 having an integrated rack 406a, 406b that follow a nonlinear direction of travel along axis B. The integrated rack may follow a curved path that rotates the door plate ninety degrees between the first position and the second position when engaged with the pinion gear. The door plate includes a first side 402 and a second side (not shown) opposite the first side. The integrated rack includes a plurality of apertures 408a, 408b that follow a curved path.

[0041] FIG. 12 depicts a pinion gear including a body and a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth may be knob shaped including a stem 122 attached to the body and a head 124 attached to the stem. The teeth may be designed to engage with the integrated rack.

[0042] The stem may have scalloped edges 126. The scalloped edges may be designed to engage with the integrated rack. The scalloped edges may have a concave radius of 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 curvature r large enough that the scalloped edge so as not to interfere with the first face or walls of the aperture as the pinion gear translates along the integrated rack.

[0043] The head may have beveled edges 128 head. The beveled edges may selectively engage the at least one wall and provide sufficient force to drive the pinion gear along the direction of travel of the integrated rack. The beveled edges may allow the head to avoid interference with the first face or the at least one wall as the pinion gear translates along the integrated rack.

[0044] FIG.13 depicts a pinion gear blank 512 and door plate 500. A pinion gear made from the pinion gear blank is designed to engage with an integrated rack 506a. The integrated rack may be predetermined to define the size, shape, and location of the apertures. The pinion gear may be manufactured from the gear blank. The pinion gear blank may be rolled along a rack integrally formed in the door plate. Any interfering material of the gear blank may be removed to define the maximum volume of the gear.

[0045] The pinion gear blank has an outer diameter OD and an inner diameter ID. The inner diameter ID may define an internal radius R1. The outer diameter OD may define an external radius R2. R1 may be less than R2. The pinion gear blank may be defined a distance away from the door plate. This distance may be defined where the first face 502 is further from the pinion gear blank than the second face 504. The pinion gear blank may be sized where the internal radius R1 is less than the distance between the center point of the pinion gear and the second face 504. The pinion gear blank may further be sized where the external radius R2 is greater than the distance between the center point of the pinion gear and the first face 502. This configuration ensures that there is sufficient material to interfere fully with the door plate. The distance between the center of the pinion gear blank and a midpoint MP between the first face and the second face may be used as the rolling circumference of the pinion gear.

[0046] The pinion gear blank may be continuously translated along the door plate to determine points of interference 530a. The pinion gear blank may be assumed to roll without slipping. When modeling rolling, the pinion gear blank may rotate a number of degrees and translate across the first face a distance corresponding to that rotational 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 degree. The translation distance may be equal to the rolling circumference multiplied by the angle of rotation divided by three hundred sixty degrees.

[0047] FIG. 14 depicts a pinion gear tooth 612 configuration. The shape of the pinion gear tooth may be modeled by combining all points of interference between the tooth and the integrated rack and subtracting these interference points from the gear blank model. The interference points may be extrapolated to calculate a smooth interference surface across the tooth defining a drive face 640 and a clearance face 642.

[0048] FIG. 15 depicts a pinion gear 712. Additional material 740, 742 may be removed from the pinion gear body 716 and teeth 718 to lower chances of interference due to manufacturing tolerances. Additional material may be material that had clearance against the integrated rack but failed to increased engagement to drive the integrated rack. Material that is not used to drive the integrated rack may be removed to increase clearance.

[0049] One general aspect includes a gate system. The gate system includes a housing defining an opening. The system also includes a shaft pivotally connected to the housing. The system also includes a pinion gear rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate. The pinion gear may include: a body, and a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body. The system also includes a door plate positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position. The door plate may include: a first face coplanar with the opening of the housing; a second face; and an integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between the closed state and the open state. Each aperture may include at least one wall to engage the pinion gear to drive the door plate from the closed state to the open state.

[0050] Implementations of the gate system may include one or more of the following features. For example, each tooth of the plurality of teeth may include a knob shape. The knob shape may include a stem connected to the body of the pinion gear and a head connected to the stem. Each tooth may include scalloped edges to allow the stem section 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 of the tooth to avoid interference with the first face or the at least one wall as the pinion gear rolls along the integrated rack. Each tooth may include beveled edges on the head to selectively engage the at least one wall and provide sufficient force to drive the gear along the direction of travel of the integrated rack. The beveled edges allow the head of the tooth to avoid interference with the first face or the at least one wall as the pinion gear rolls along the integrated rack. The gate system may include a biasing mechanism to maintain engagement between the pinion gear and the integrated rack. The pinion gear is mechanically connected to a drive mechanism. The gate system may include a locking mechanism to secure the door plate in the closed state. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures ends prior to an edge of the door plate to automatically act as a stopping mechanism upon contact between the pinion gear and the first face.

[0051] FIGS. 16A and 16B depict the gate system 800. FIG. 16A shows the gate system with the door plate 100 in a closed position and FIG. 16B shows the door plate 100 in an open position. The gate system may include a housing 802, a door plate, a shaft, and a pinion gear. The housing may define an opening804. The shaft may be pivotally connected to the housing. The pinion gear may be rotationally connected to the shaft. The door plate may be positioned within the housing so that it is coplanar with the opening. The pinon gear may engage with the door plate to transition the door plate between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door plate may block the opening to prevent the payload from falling through the gate system. In this closed position, the door plate may create a seal against the housing. In the open position, the door plate may reveal the opening. While the current embodiment depicts only a closed position and an open position, the pinion gear may selectively engage with the door plate to position locate the door plate in any intermediate positions between the open and closed positions.

[0052] One general aspect includes a vehicle gate system. The vehicle gate system includes a hopper car. The system also includes a housing affixed to a side of the hopper car defining an opening in the side of the hopper car. The system also includes a shaft pivotally connected to the housing. The system also includes a pinion gear rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate. The pinion gear may include a body and a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body. The system also includes 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 a door plate positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed state and an open state. The door plate may include a first face coplanar with the opening of the housing, a second face opposite the first face; and an integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face. The plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between the closed state and the open state. Each aperture may include at least one wall to engage the pinion gear to drive the door plate from the closed state to the open state.

[0053] Implementations of the vehicle gate system may include one or more of the following features. The pinion gear may be manually operable via a lever. The door plate may include a corrosion-resistant coating. The railway vehicle gate system may include a locking mechanism to secure the door plate in the closed state. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0054] FIGS. 17A and 17B depict a vehicle gate system 900. The vehicle gate system may include a gate system 800 affixed to a hopper car 902. The gate system defines an opening on a side of the hopper car. While this embodiment shows the gate system on a bottom side of the hopper car. Further, the gate system may be affixed to any vehicle needing gated access. The gate system allows a door plate to transition between a closed position and an open position. This allows for an easy unloading of payload on the hopper car.

[0055] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may be related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” may be not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges may be identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0056] Embodiments may be described in connection with a rail vehicle system, such as a locomotive or switcher, or other types of vehicle systems, such as automobiles, trucks (with or without trailers), buses, marine vessels, aircraft, unmanned aircraft (e.g., drones), mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, or other off-highway vehicles. Vehicle systems described herein (rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems that do not travel on rails or tracks) may be formed from a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. With respect to multi-vehicle systems, the vehicles may be mechanically coupled with each other (e.g., by couplers), or virtually or logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. For example, vehicles may be logically but not mechanically coupled when the separate vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate movements of the vehicles with each other so that the vehicles travel together (e.g., as a convoy, swarm, consist, platoon). Calculations and computations, such as navigation processes, may be performed on-board the vehicle systems or off-board the vehicle systems and then communicated to the vehicle systems. Whether on-board or off-board, a vehicle control system may operate a vehicle system and receive and process sensor inputs, operator inputs, operational parameters, vehicle parameters, and route parameters, etc.

[0057] One or more components may be described as "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable to," or similar terms. Unless explicitly stated, these terms encompass components in both active and inactive states. Unless stated otherwise, terms like "including" or "having" should be interpreted as open-ended (i.e., "including but not limited to"). Numeric recitations generally mean "at least" the stated number, and disjunctive terms like "A or B" should be interpreted to include either or both unless explicitly specified. Operations as set forth herein may generally be performed in any order unless explicitly stated. The recitation "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as any combination of A, B, and C, such A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, 2026202223   23 Mar 2026 and C together. The recitation "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together.

[0058] This written description may disclose several embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and may enable one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the embodiments of subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.

Claims

2026202223   23 Mar 2026The following clauses describe aspects of the invention:

1. A door plate comprising:a first face;a second face opposite of the first face; andan integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face, wherein the plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between a first position and a second position, wherein each aperture comprises:at least one wall configured to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the first position to the second position.

2. The door plate of clause 1, wherein each aperture defines an opening between the first face and the second face.

3. The door plate of clause 1, wherein the at least one wall is positioned perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The door plate of clause 1, wherein the at least one wall defines an angle relative to the first axis.

5. The door plate of clause 4, wherein the angle is between 10 and 80 degrees relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

6. The door plate of clause 1, wherein each aperture comprises a second wall to engage a pinion gear to drive the door plate from the second position to the first position.

7. The door plate of clause 6, wherein the at least one wall defines an angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and the second wall is positioned at a negative of the angle, wherein the second wall mirrors the angle defined by the at least one wall.2026202223   23 Mar 20268. The door plate of clause 1, wherein the plurality of apertures is spaced at a constant pitch along the first axis.

9. The door plate of clause 1, wherein the at least one wall comprises a surface finish to improve engagement with the pinion gear.

10. A gate system comprising:a housing defining an opening;a shaft pivotally connected to the housing;a pinion gear rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate, wherein the pinion gear comprises:a body; anda plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body; and a door plate positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position, wherein the door plate comprises:a first face coplanar with the opening of the housing;a second face opposite the first face; andan integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face, wherein the plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between the closed position and the open position, wherein each aperture comprises at least one wall to engage the pinion gear to drive the door plate from the closed position to the open position.

11. The gate system of clause 10, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth comprises a knob shape, the knob shape comprising:a stem connected to the body of the pinion gear; anda head connected to the stem.

12. The gate system of clause 11, wherein each tooth comprises:2026202223   23 Mar 2026scalloped edges on the stem, wherein the scalloped edges allow the stem section of the tooth to avoid interference with the first face or the at least one wall as the pinion gear rolls along the integrated rack; andbeveled edges on the head, wherein the beveled edges selectively engage the at least one wall and provide sufficient force to drive the gear along the direction of travel of the integrated rack, wherein the beveled edges allow the head of the tooth to avoid interference with the first face or the at least one wall as the pinion gear rolls along the integrated rack.

13. The gate system of clause 10, comprising a biasing mechanism to maintain engagement between the pinion gear and the integrated rack.

14. The gate system of clause 10, wherein the pinion gear is mechanically connected to a drive mechanism.

15. The gate system of clause 10, comprising a locking mechanism to secure the door plate in the closed position.

16. The gate system of clause 10, wherein the plurality of uniformly spaced apertures ends prior to an edge of the door plate to automatically act as a stopping mechanism upon contact between the pinion gear and the first face.

17. A vehicle gate system comprising:a hopper car;a housing affixed to a side of the hopper car defining an opening in the side of the hopper car;a shaft pivotally connected to the housing;a pinion gear rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate, wherein the pinion gear comprises:a body; anda plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the body; and2026202223   23 Mar 2026a door plate positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position, wherein the door plate comprises:a first face coplanar with the opening of the housing;a second face opposite the first face; andan integrated rack defined by a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face, wherein the plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a direction of travel of the door plate between the closed position and the open position, wherein each aperture comprises:at least one wall to engage the pinion gear to drive the door plate from the closed position to the open position.

18. The vehicle gate system of clause 17, wherein the pinion gear is manually operable via a lever.

19. The vehicle gate system of clause 17, wherein the door plate comprises a corrosion-resistant coating.

20. The vehicle gate system of clause 17, comprising a locking mechanism to secure the door plate in the closed position.

21. A system comprising:a rail vehicle having a housing that defines an opening in a side of the rail vehicle;a shaft pivotally connected to the housing;a pinion gear rotatably connected to the shaft to selectively rotate; anda door plate positioned within the housing to selectively transition between a closed position and an open position, wherein the door plate comprises:a door plate body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, wherein the door plate body defines an integrated rack having a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures on the first face, wherein the plurality of uniformly spaced apertures is positioned parallel to a first axis defined by a2026202223   23 Mar 2026direction of travel of the door plate between the closed position and the open position, and wherein each aperture comprises at least one wall to engage the pinion gear to drive the door plate between the closed position to the open position.

22. The system of clause 21, further defined as per any of clauses 1-20 as applicable.

Images