Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydraulic systems for actuating a vehicle braking system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic system that uses the gravity-generated pressure in a load-bearing hydraulic cylinder to provide hydraulic pressure to a parking brake, emergency brakes, or service brake when properly modulated or other service. The present invention further relates to a system to reduce through dissipation or utilization the available gravity-generated hydraulic pressure so as to deploy a ground engaging drag-brake of a vehicle.

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.

Abstract: Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground-engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes hydraulic systems designed to allow the selection of a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to lift a load. In one embodiment, a hydraulic system in accordance with the present invention comprises a hydraulic accumulator that may be selected as a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to lift a load. Such a hydraulic system may or may not be part of a cushion ride system. The present invention also includes methods for selecting a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to lift a load and earth moving or ground leveling apparatus that allow the selection of a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to lift a load.

Abstract: A tank for fluids and processes for manufacturing the same. The tank includes a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the end plates are substantially planar. The tank also includes an interior wall, wherein a periphery of the interior wall comprises a flange. A sheet is attached to a periphery of the first end plate or the second end plate, and another portion of the sheet is attached to the flange by a seam located on an exterior of the tank. A first end and a second end of the sheet each define a portion of the first surface of the tank, and a portion of the sheet between the first end and the second end define a portion of a second, opposing surface of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydraulic systems for actuating a vehicle braking system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic system that uses the gravity-generated pressure in a load-bearing hydraulic cylinder to provide hydraulic pressure to a parking brake, emergency brakes, or service brake when properly modulated or other service. The present invention further relates to a system to reduce through dissipation or utilization the available gravity-generated hydraulic pressure so as to deploy a ground engaging drag-brake of a vehicle.

Abstract: A towable roller assembly for removable operable attachment to a prime mover, such as a tractor. The towable roller assembly includes a frame with a hitch portion for attachment to the prime mover and roller rotatably attached to the frame through an axle and bearing assembly for compaction of surfaces by rolling. A vibrator located within the roller may be engaged to cause the roller to vibrate to facilitate compaction of the surface under treatment. The vibrator is powered by motor of the prime mover, as through connection by hydraulic lines to the hydraulic system of the prime mover.

Abstract: A tank for fluids and processes for manufacturing the same. The tank includes a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the end plates are substantially planar. The tank also includes an interior wall, wherein a periphery of the interior wall comprises a flange. A sheet is attached to a periphery of the first end plate or the second end plate, and another portion of the sheet is attached to the flange by a seam located on an exterior of the tank. A first end and a second end of the sheet each define a portion of the first surface of the tank, and a portion of the sheet between the first end and the second end define a portion of a second, opposing surface of the tank.

Abstract: Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground-engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.

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.