Method for loading coal into railroad cars

Claim 1

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad cars being designated an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars; loading particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 2

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad cars being designated an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars; loading particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 7

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 8

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 13

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 14

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 19

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars each having a leading end and a trailing end and each moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated as an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad car being designated as an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading the particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the first chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the first chute; and sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the first chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the first gate in response to sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car for discharging particles from the first chute in response to sensing the leading end of an EVEN railroad car at the second position after sensing the leading end of each such EVEN railroad car at the first position; and loading the particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the second chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the second chute; and sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the second chute spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the second gate in response to sensing the leading end of an ODD railroad car at the second predetermined position after sensing the leading end of such ODD railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 20

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars each having a leading end and a trailing end and each moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated as an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad car being designated as an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading the particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the first chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the first chute; and sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the first chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the first gate in response to sensing the leading end of each EVEN railroad car for discharging particles from the first chute in response to sensing the leading end of an EVEN railroad car at the second position after sensing the leading end of each such EVEN railroad car at the first position; and loading the particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the second chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the second chute; and sensing the leading end of each ODD railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the second chute spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the second gate in response to sensing the leading end of an ODD railroad car at the second predetermined position after sensing the leading end of such ODD railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 22

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars each having a leading end and a trailing end and each moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated as an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad car being designated as an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each EVEN railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the first chute; and closing the first gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an EVEN railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the first chute; and loading particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each ODD railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the second chute; and closing the second gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an ODD railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the second chute; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the first gate being defined further as closing the first gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an EVEN railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the first chute; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; and comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the second gate being defined further as closing the second gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an ODD railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the second chute.

Claim 23

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein particles are discharged through a first and a second chute and wherein a first gate is disposed in the first chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the first chute in the opened position of the first gate and the particles being blocked in the first chute by the first gate in the closed position of the first gate, and wherein a second gate is disposed in the second chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the second chute in the opened position of the second gate and the particles being blocked in the second chute by the second gate in the closed position of the second gate, the railroad cars each having a leading end and a trailing end and each moving under the first and the second chutes in a direction of travel, and every other railroad car being designated as an EVEN railroad car and the remaining every other railroad car being designated as an ODD railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the first chute into the EVEN railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each EVEN railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the first chute; and closing the first gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an EVEN railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the first chute; and loading particles from the second chute into the ODD railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each ODD railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the second chute; and closing the second gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an ODD railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the second chute; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles from the first chute to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; adjusting the loading of particles from the first chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded from the first chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next EVEN railroad car so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the first chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the first gate being defined further as closing the first gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an EVEN railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the first chute; weighing each ODD railroad car loaded with particles from the second chute to determine a filled weight of that ODD railroad car; and comparing the filled weight of each ODD railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the second chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car from the second chute so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next ODD railroad car so the filled weight of the next ODD railroad car to be loaded with particles from the second chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the second gate being defined further as closing the second gate in response to sensing the trailing end of an ODD railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the second chute.

Claim 25

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened postion of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, each of the railroad cars having a leading end and a trailing end and each of the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other rialroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the chute; and sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car at the second predetermined position after first sensing the leading end of each railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 26

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened postion of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, each of the railroad cars having a leading end and a trailing end and each of the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other rialroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the chute; and sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; and opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car at the second predetermined position after first sensing the leading end of each railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled weight of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 28

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, each of the railroad cars having a leading end and a trailing end and each of the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other rialroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each railroad car at a plurality of spaced apart positions with respect to the chute; and closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled wieght of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the gate being defined further as closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute.

Claim 29

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, each of the railroad cars having a leading end and a trailing end and each of the railroad cars moving under the chute in a direction of travel, and every other rialroad car being designated an EVEN railroad car, comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each railroad car at a plurality of spaced apart positions with respect to the chute; and closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute; weighing each EVEN railroad car loaded with particles to determine a filled wieght of that EVEN railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each EVEN railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next EVEN railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the gate being defined further as closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute.

Claim 31

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of the railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chutes in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the first chute; and sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car for discharging particles from the chute in response to sensing the leading end of a railroad car at the second predetermined position after first sensing the leading end of such railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 32

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of the railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chutes in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a first predetermined position with respect to the first chute; and sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a second predetermined position with respect to the chute and spaced a distance in the direction of travel from the first predetermined position; opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car for discharging particles from the chute in response to sensing the leading end of a railroad car at the second predetermined position after first sensing the leading end of such railroad car at the first predetermined position; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight.

Claim 34

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chutes in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the chute; and closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute; opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car for discharging particles from the chute; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the gate being defined further as closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute.

Claim 35

A method for loading particles into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established and wherein the particles are discharged through a chute and wherein a gate is disposed in the chute having an opened position and a closed position, the particles being dischargeable through the chute in the opened position of the gate and the particles being blocked in the chute by the gate in the closed position of the gate, and wherein each railroad car has a leading end and a trailing end, the railroad cars moving under the chutes in a direction of travel comprising the steps of: loading particles from the chute into the railroad cars, comprising the steps of: sensing the leading end of each railroad car at a predetermined position with respect to the chute, comprising the steps of: sensing the trailing end of each railroad car at a plurality of predetermined spaced apart positions with respect to the chute; and closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute; opening the gate in response to sensing the leading end of each railroad car for discharging particles from the chute; weighing each railroad car loaded with particles from the chute to determine a filled weight of each railroad car; comparing the filled weight of each railroad car with the control weight to determine a differential weight; and adjusting the loading of particles from the chute to vary the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad cars to be loaded from the chute so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, comprising the steps of: selecting one of the predetermined spaced apart positions in response to the determined differential weight for varying the weight of the particles loaded into the next railroad car so the filled weight of the next railroad car to be loaded with particles from the chute more nearly approximates the control weight, the step of closing the gate being defined further as closing the gate in response to sensing the trailing end of a railroad car at the selected predetermined position for terminating the discharge of particles from the chute.