These valves are based on the same tried-and-true "sliding shoe" design as our original series. However, they feature many operational and safety enhancements over our original series units including our (patent pending) sequenced mechanical lock/indicator assembly. When the valve is in the "door close" position, an internal mechanical lock holds it in place and indicates (via a retracted stem) that the valve is in this position and positively locked. When the valve is given a signal to shift to the "door open" position, the indicator extends to show that the valve is no longer in the fully closed and locked condition. The indicator stem features reflective "glass bead" technology so that it can easily be seen in the daylight or in the dark when bathed in the beam from a flashlight. Click here for Operating Instructions .

In addition to the sequenced mechanical lock/indicator assembly, the valve features a modular design approach which makes it very user friendly when it comes time for service due to working conditions or age. The main valve body can be removed from the subplate in less than two-minutes without disturbing the pneumatic plumbing or the electrical connection. The solenoid cover/junction box features a spring loaded self closing door that will stay closed even if the car is used in rotary dump service. The cover can also be locked to prevent access to the manual overrides by unauthorized personnel. We offer additional safety/security features such as our patented (U.S. Patents 7,093,455 and 7,328,661) “integral safety check”. This “no cost” feature helps prevent inadvertent actuation of the door opening system. The pressure in the reservoir must be 40 PSI or higher before the "open" solenoid or manual override button will shift the valve element to the unlocked or "open" position. There are versions available with shuttle valves integrated into the subplate that allow manual operation via a secondary two-station valve bank from the opposite side of the rail car which allows safe manual operation without the need for unloading personnel to climb dangerously across moving railcars.

The valves are available with front, bottom or dual (front and bottom) delivery ports in the subplate and feature three different mounting bracket styles. These features assure that the valves can easily be applied in both OEM applications (new builds) as well as in replacement applications on existing cars. The great new features and capabilities make this valve line an economical choice for any "railroad tough" chore.

Applications include: