Systems and methods for controlling the removal of soil from an earth moving scraper

Abstract

Hydraulic systems for controlling movement of an apron and a bucket of earth moving apparatuses are disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic fluid supply, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the apron, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the bucket and a valve for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic system includes another valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. An earth moving apparatus having a bucket and an apron configured with the hydraulic system is also disclosed. Methods for controlling movement of the bucket and the apron are also disclosed. An earth moving apparatus having an ejector wall for removing soil from the bucket is described. A linkage means for reducing the force required to move the ejector wall is incorporated in the earth moving apparatus. A substantially, vertical oriented hydraulic cylinder for moving the ejector wall is also described.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
   
   
       25 . An earth moving or ground leveling apparatus comprising: 
 a frame having opposing sides;    at least two ground engaging wheels supporting the frame;    a bucket having a floor and a pair of side walls;    a movable wall located perpendicular to the pair of side walls;    a propulsion means for imparting movement to the movable wall; and    a lever means for transferring a force from the propulsion means to the movable wall.    
   
   
       26 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising a hydraulic system comprising: 
 an inlet conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid to the propulsion means;    an outlet conduit for removing the hydraulic fluid from the propulsion means;    a by-pass line for connecting the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit; and    a diversion means for diverting the hydraulic fluid removed from the propulsion means to enter the by-pass line.    
   
   
       27 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the lever means comprises: 
 a lever oriented substantially perpendicular to the propulsion means;    wherein the propulsion means is attached to the lever at a location substantially equidistant from opposing ends of the lever;    a rod having a first end and a second end; wherein the rod is oriented substantially parallel to the propulsion means; the first end of the rod being attached to one end of the lever; and the second end of the rod being attached to the movable wall.    
   
   
       28 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the diversion means comprises a pressure sensing valve, a mechanically operated valve, an electrically operated valve, a pneumatically operated valve, or a hydraulically activated valve.  
   
   
       29 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising a tongue attached to the frame and configured for attachment of the earth moving or ground leveling apparatus to a tractor.  
   
   
       30 . An earth moving or ground leveling apparatus comprising: 
 a frame having opposing sides;    at least two ground engaging wheels supporting the frame;    a bucket having a floor and a pair of side walls;    a movable wall located perpendicular to the pair of side walls;    a hydraulic cylinder for imparting movement to the movable wall;    wherein the hydraulic cylinder is oriented substantially vertically; and    a linkage means for imparting movement of the movable wall;    wherein the linkage means transfers a vertical force generated by the hydraulic cylinder to a perpendicular force that imparts movement to the movable wall.    
   
   
       31 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected to a hydraulic system comprising: 
 an inlet conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder;    an outlet conduit for removing the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder;    a by-pass line for connecting the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit; and    a diversion means for diverting the hydraulic fluid removed from the hydraulic cylinder to enter the by-pass line.    
   
   
       32 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the diversion means comprises a pressure sensing valve, a mechanically operated valve, an electrically operated valve, a pneumatically operated valve, or a hydraulically activated valve.  
   
   
       33 . The earth moving or ground leveling apparatus of  claim 30 , further comprising a tongue attached to the frame and configured for attachment of the earth moving or ground leveling apparatus to a tractor.  
   
   
       34 . An improved earth moving or ground leveling apparatus having a frame with opposing sides, at least two ground engaging wheels supporting the frame, a bucket with a floor and a pair of sidewalls, and a movable wall located adjacent to the pair of sidewalls, the improvement comprising: 
 a hydraulic cylinder for imparting movement to the movable wall;    wherein the hydraulic cylinder is oriented substantially vertically in relation to the ground.    
   
   
       35 . The improved earth moving apparatus of  claim 34 , further comprising a tongue attached to the frame and configured for attachment of the earth moving or ground leveling apparatus to a tractor.  
   
   
       36 . A method for the controlled expulsion of the contents of a bucket of an earth moving apparatus, the method comprising: 
 providing the earth moving apparatus comprising the bucket for storing soil with a movable wall perpendicular to a pair of side walls and opposite an exit for the soil;    providing a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic cylinder for moving the movable wall, the hydraulic cylinder disposed perpendicular to the pair of side walls and operably connected to the moveable wall through a linkage; and    activating the hydraulic system to move the hydraulic cylinder in a direction parallel the moveable wall to initiate movement of the movable wall in a generally perpendicular direction.