Cloth fluidizing membrane for hopper car outlet

A limp, porous membrane of flexible sheet material for use with a fluidized outlet which is in communication with a container such as a hopper containing a pulverant, particulate lading which is fluidized and unloaded via said outlet, said outlet having a valve installed therein which, when open, allows fluidized lading to be unloaded through said outlet, said outlet having an outlet frame for securing said outlet to said hopper, an outlet opening in which said outlet valve is positioned, intersecting outlet walls extending between said frame and said opening, said membrane having an outer margin secured to said outlet frame;

• boot means to which an inner margin of the membrane, defining an opening for the lading to flow through the membrane, is attached, said boot means being positioned at the top of an outlet pan;
• and,
• means for securing said boot means to said outlet pan adjacent said outlet opening and including a ring means for locking said boot means in place whereby said opening in said membrane is secured adjacent said outlet opening for the lading to flow into said outlet through said valve.