Abstract: Disclosed are excavators or other power machines having a lift arm structure with a bucket coupled to an arm to pick up material during a digging or scooping operation, and a bucket cleanout devices to aid in removal of material from the bucket. The bucket cleanout devices include components which are rotatably coupled to a support structure, such as the arm, an implement carrier and/or the bucket and configured to aid in removal of material during a material dumping movement of the bucket.

Abstract: A manipulator arm for moving a load from a first position at a first elevation, to a second position at a second elevation, provides a base and defines plural spaced apart axle holes. A fulcrum lever link formed of a channel beam defines plural spaced apart axle holes. A first load member, and two support members extend between, and pivotally interconnect, the base plate and the fulcrum lever link and define a quadrilateral lift frame about the pivotal interconnections. An actuator operatively communicates between the first load member and the fulcrum lever link and the fulcrum lever link provides mechanical advantage to the actuator to cause the quadrilateral lift frame to change from a first configuration at the first position to a second configuration at the second position.

Abstract: A bucket assembly for mounting on a boom of a digging machine comprises a bucket with an outer wall and a rear wall pivotally mounted between side walls of the bucket so that the rear wall is movable relative to the outer wall for discharging material from the bucket. In one arrangement this relative movement is provided by a linkage assembly which displaces the rear wall forwardly as the remainder of the bucket continues to move rearwardly to a retracted position of the bucket. In another arrangement the relative movement is provided by at least one stopper fixed in relation to the boom arranged for engaging the pivotal rear wall in an angularly intermediate position of the bucket such that the rear wall moves forwardly relative to the outer wall as the bucket moves rearwardly to its retracted position.

Abstract: A dipper having an inlet and an outlet. The dipper includes a front wall and an opposite back wall extending between the inlet and the outlet. The front wall has a substantially linear inner surface between the inlet and the outlet. The dipper further includes two side walls connected between the front wall and the back wall and extending between the inlet and the outlet. Further, the dipper has a lip coupled to the front wall and extending outwardly from the inlet in a direction away from the outlet, the lip having a lip inner surface arranged generally parallel with the substantially linear inner surface of the front wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for the moving and spreading of loose materials, such as dirt. A frame attaches to the three point hitch on a tractor. A bucket is rotatably attached to the frame, and a blade is attached to the frame and positioned within the bucket so as to substantially span the height and width of the bucket interior. In a first position, the bottom wall of the bucket is positioned substantially horizontally. The tractor moves so as to insert the open mouth of the bucket into a quantity of loose material, then raises the bucket and moves to a desired location. The bucket is lowered so that drag members on the bucket contact the ground; forward movement of the tractor causes the bucket to rotate, creating an opening between the bucket and the blade and causing the loose material to flow out of the bucket onto the ground.

Abstract: A duckbill pod (100) having an ejector mechanism, the duckbill pod (100) comprising a tray (10) for providing a transport surface for goods or material, a pusher plate (50) arranged substantially perpendicular to the tray (10), a drive arrangement for actuating the pusher plate (50) and reciprocate same between a mouth and a rear end of the duckbill pod (100), and a lifting plate (20) secured to the tray (10) for attaching the duckbill pod (100) to a loader.

Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.

Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.

Abstract: A bucket used in association with a loader provides both top and lateral discharge. The bucket is defined by a frame with front and rear walls, as well as a pair of side walls, and an endless loop of conveyor belt that serves as a bottom to the bucket. Lateral discharge provided through a gap between the endless loop and each of the side walls. A slide at a bottom of each side wall at least partially fills the gap between the side wall and the endless loop. The endless loop is selectively driven in the direction of either of the side walls by a drive means contained within the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to an erosion control device for constructing a barrier bag for use in areas where erosion is likely to occur. The erosion control device can include an attachment member allowing the erosion control device to be operably mounted to a skid steer, front-end loader, tractor or similar vehicle for transportation and power. The erosion control device can include a loading box defining a material hopper for holding a filler material. The loading box can further comprise a beater bar assembly for agitating the filler material within the material hopper so as to continually feed an auger assembly within the loading box. The auger assembly transports and compacts the filler material within a filling chute. The compacted filler material exits the filling chute and enters into a barrier bag that is continually deployed from the filling chute.

Abstract: Excavator bucket cleaning apparatus having an action plate hingedly interconnected to the interior of the bucket with a cable attached at one end to the excavator boom and, at the other end, to the free end of the action plate so that rotation of the bucket outwardly causes the cable to tighten and swing the action plate outwardly of the bucket about the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging bulk materials into containers. The apparatus and method are useful in the bagging of bulk products, such as sand, salt, grain, feed and the like, and is particularly useful in rapidly forming sandbags. The bags can be filled at a remote location. The apparatus may be attached to a vehicle, such as a skid steer, tractor or truck, and can replace an existing bucket of a front end loader. The bucket scoops a quantity of bulk material into the bucket. An auger mounted in the bucket is driven by a motor to force a flow stream of bulk material out an opening in the bucket. An open container is placed adjacent the flow stream to rapidly fill the container with bulk material. The apparatus can also be provided as a retrofit kit to convert an existing bucket into a bagging apparatus.

Abstract: The cement hopper attachment includes a raised hopper supported atop two uprights extending from a rectangular base. The hopper has a forward mounted gate and cement chute. A hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic controls actuates the gate of the hopper. The shape and configuration of the hopper is design to provide an unobstructed view from the skid steer of the cement dispensed from hopper. The hopper attachment also includes a pair of retractable support wheels, which support the weight of the loaded hopper attachment and prevent rocking and tipping forward under the weight of the loaded hopper attachment.

Abstract: A bucket loader apparatus for scooping, filling, transporting and placing a plurality of bags used in constructing barriers. The bucket loader includes a universal mounting attachment for attachment to a loading vehicle whereby the loading vehicle manipulates the bucket loader between a range of dispositions. In a scooping disposition, the loading vehicle directs the bucket loader to scoop a flowable, granular material. In a loading disposition, the flowable granular material is directed through a plurality of integral funnels and into a plurality of bags, each funnel having a bag retained proximally to the funnel. After filling the bags, the bucket loader is transported to a point of use whereby the loading vehicle manipulates the loader bucket to an unloading disposition allowing placement of the filled bags. The bucket loader further includes a bag attachment assembly for selectively retaining empty bags and releasing filled bags.

Abstract: A discharge funnel and distributor chute for sand and gravel or other disperse material which is removably attachable to the bucket of a front end loader. Funnel engaging hooks are attached along the front edges of the sides of the bucket and spaced upward from the bucket floor. The funnel has a floor and vertical sidewalls forming an open rear bucket receiving portion for receiving the front lower portion of the bucket. This portion has a floor and sides with a hook engaging bar extending between upper ends of the funnel sides forming a rear opening. Angled bucket guide bars are located along the inner sides of opposite walls. The funnel has a converging funnel portion connected to the engaging portion. The converging portion opens into a discharge chute. The chute allows the discharge of disperse material to a specific location such as a basement floor under construction.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for converting the load compartment of a vehicle into a tank for carrying liquids comprises a removable cover assembly configured to cover an upper opening of the load compartment. A pump, which can be mounted to the cover assembly, is provided for pumping liquid from the load compartment. The outlet of the pump may be fluidly connected to a discharge conduit, which may be coupled to the cover assembly. The discharge conduit desirably extends at least partially inside the cover assembly. An opening may be defined in the cover assembly for introducing liquid into the load compartment.

Abstract: A bucket of a type designed to attach to the stick of an excavator, using pre-existing pins. The bucket is powered by a hydraulic cylinder, the lines of which attach to excavator controls. Striker forks are mounted onto the stick of the excavator at a predetermined position. The clean-out system is a wiper plate incorporated into the bucket as the “roof”, which is designed to follow the inner contour of the sides of the bucket. As the bucket is filled, the wiper plate moves to the top of the bucket; when the bucket is emptied, the wiper plate contacts the striker forks, which force the material out of the bucket, preventing build-up of material on the inside of the bucket.

Abstract: A clam bucket of a type designed to attach by way of a pin (20) through vertical lugs (92) to the stick of an excavator making the attachment process fairly simple. These vertical lugs (92) are part of the rotational housing (32) assembly which, in conjunction with a rotational mounting plate (22) at the top of a square tubing extension (48) enable the bucket (70) to make a full 360° turn. The bucket (70) halves are each powered by a hydraulic cylinder (56), the lines of which attach to excavator controls. The clean-out system is a pair of wiper plates (86) incorporated into the bucket (70) halves. These wiper plates (86) sweep the bucket (70) halves each time the bucket opens and closes preventing buildup of material. This self-cleaning hydraulic clam bucket can be manufactured in size to suit the consumer.

Abstract: An end-effector comprises a circulating scoop that cooperates with a plate that lies in its arcuate path. The plate spans the arcuate gap present within the scoop and preferably may be contained within that gap. The plate may be positioned to provide a bucket-like cavity facing in either fore or aft directions. The scoop and/or plate can carry indentations whereby they grasp shaped articles for controlled manipulation.

Abstract: A dispensing bucket apparatus that removably connects to a loader vehicle. The apparatus is a bucket that is adapted to receive and hold a flowable material and has an exit opening in its front end that is selectively opened and closed by a gate. The position of the gate may be controlled by the user from within the loader vehicle to control the flow and flow rate of the flowable material from the bucket. The side walls of the bucket converge toward the front of the bucket and form a funnel that directs the flowable material to the exit opening. The construction of the apparatus is such that the user can view the pour at all times and, thereby, reduce spillage and waste. An alternate embodiment includes a tilting mechanism that provides for attachment of the bucket to a forklift and for tilting of the bucket. A removable chute allows the pour opening to be extended further from the front of the bucket.

Abstract: A container for transporting and placing materials, such as concrete, grains, landscaping material, etc. includes a container mounted on a mounting plate of a skid steer loader so that the container may be raised and lowered by using the lift arms of the loader and may be pivoted relative to the lift arms. The container includes an open top defining a fill opening for receiving the material to be dispensed. The rear wall of the container includes appropriate brackets to the mounting plate of the loader, and the front wall includes a dispensing opening and chute, leading from the opening and a manually operable gate for controlling flowing material through the chute. The front wall also includes converging sections which cooperate with the dispensing opening to define a funnel directing flowing material through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A hopper for moving and accurately placing granular materials and granular slurries. The hopper comprises: an elongate feed trough having two opposite end portions and an open top side portion so that the trough may be filled along the open top side portion; an elongate auger having flexible blades, to facilitate non-jamming operation, positioned in and extending along a bottom portion of the trough, said auger having a drive and a floating discharge end portion; a drive positioned adjacent to one end portion of the trough and releasably connected the drive end portion of the auger; a discharge sleeve positioned in the other end portion of the trough encircling the other floating discharge end portion of the auger.

Abstract: A dispensing bucket apparatus that removably connects to a loader vehicle. The apparatus is a bucket that is adapted to receive and hold a flowable material and has an exit opening in its front end that is selectively opened and closed by a gate. The position of the gate may be controlled by the user from within the loader vehicle to control the flow and flow rate of the flowable material from the bucket. An alternate bucket design uses a manual latch to release the gate to an opened position. The side walls of the bucket converge toward the front of the bucket and form a funnel that directs the flowable material to the exit opening. The construction of the apparatus is such that the user can view the pour at all times and, thereby, reduce spillage and waste.

Abstract: An improved means for dispensing a substantially even flow of semi-liquid material such as, concrete, into remote areas includes the use of an auger assembly mounted within a bucket of a construction machine. The auger assembly has a tubular housing with sealed end portions and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a receiving passage defined therein. An auger is mounted within the tubular housing and has a blade portion which is rotatable in either a first or second direction by power supplied through a bi-directional motor. The semi-liquid material is poured into the bucket and enters the auger only through the receiving passage. The direction of rotation is chosen by an operator so that the material is conveyed along a rotational axis toward either a first or second opening, respectively, adjacent a remote area. The semi-liquid material flows substantially evenly through either the first or second openings to fill the remote area uniformly.

Abstract: A grab implement comprising a fixed part (31) and a movable part (30) pivotally coupled thereto to form a grab, the fixed part (31) having a continuous rear wall member (2) and a continuous floor member (4) projecting forwardly therefrom, the floor member (4) having a cutting edge along the leading edge thereof.

Abstract: An ejector bucket includes a bucket frame, an ejector plate, and two actuating cylinders. The bucket frame has opposing side walls and a bottom wall extending between the side walls. The ejector plate is located within the bucket frame, and is movable between a load position where the ejector plate and the bucket frame together form a bucket for holding material and an eject position where the ejector plate has pushed substantially all of the material out of the bucket. The two hydraulic actuating cylinders are connected to the bucket frame and to the ejector plate. Each of the actuating cylinders is located adjacent to one of the side walls of the bucket frame. The actuating cylinder is operable in a push mode where an actuating rod is pushed out of the cylinder casing, and is operable in a pull mode where the actuating rod is drawn into the casing.

Abstract: A chute assembly in a bucket or scoop designed to be mounted on a front end loader or the like having a boom or lift arms for raising, lowering and controlling fore-aft pitch of the bucket. The bucket or scoop has an interior chamber and the chute assembly has a pair of converging sidewalls mounted on a plate forming a funnel, preferably with an adjustable throat for spreading flowable materials. The sidewalls of the chute are adapted to make a sealing fit with the sidewalls of the bucket, as does the plate along its bottom wall, joining the funnel and the interior chamber and forming a hopper. The chute assembly has means for attachably and detachably securing the plate to the bottom wall of the bucket. In one embodiment, a power ram drive mechanism swings the chute assembly in and out of the bucket on lift arms attached to the bucket.

Abstract: This invention is an improved shovel attachment adapted for being mounted by the customary three-point hitch connection with a tractor enabling the shovel attachment to be carried on the tractor and raised or lowered by the preexisting hydraulic control mechanism of the tractor. The improved shovel attachment features a hydraulically actuated, ejector type blade that is forcibly transported across the floor of the carrying bowl of the shovel attachment for positive ejection of a load of earth fill materials from the same. The hydraulically actuated cylinder is pivotally connected with the rear surface of the ejector blade on one end and pivotally connected to an appropriate portion of the tractor at the other end thereof enabling the blade to be operated throughout the vertical limits of travel of the shovel attachment. The hydraulic cylinder is designed to be adapted to the preexisting hydraulic actuation mechanism associated with the tractor.

Abstract: A dispensing attachment for loaders includes a dispenser preferably made of metal and having a wall member for covering the loader and an arcuate end wall integrally connected to the wall member and having dispensing spouts. The dispenser is pivotally attached to a support which is detachably attached to the side walls of the loader. A hydraulic ram 40 is used to pivot the dispenser relative to the loader in a clam-like fashion such that the dispenser can be moved into engagement with the loader to essentially form a hopper or can be moved out of engagement with the loader so that the loader can be used to scoop up flowable material. An auger is journaled to the dispenser and driven by a hydraulic motor to feed the dispensing spouts with the flowable material such as sand. The dispensing attachment allows the user to use the load to scoop up the flowable material, engage the dispenser to the loader, and dispense the flowable material through the dispensing spouts.

Abstract: A control for a d.c. motor having a d.c. thyristor power supply connected to a d.c. motor and a control circuit for selectively varying and controlling the level of the current provided by the thyristor power supply to the motor. The thyristor power supply provides a plurality of selected output current levels to the motor and the motor has a corresponding plurality of torque levels. The level of the output current supplied by the power supply to the motor is independent of the resistance in the motor circuit. The motor is rotatable in opposite directions and the thyristor power supply will provide output voltage at opposite pluralities corresponding to the rotational direction of the motor.

Abstract: A bucket assembly comprising a bucket member connectible to a bucket stick (7) and having two side walls (6, 6'), a curved wall, and a bottom wall (4) forming an extension of the latter, as well as a screening member (2) articulated to the bucket member (1). The screening member (2), which advantageously is a grid structure, has, like the bucket member, two side walls (10, 10'), a curved wall (11) extending therebetween, and a bottom wall (12), these walls having the same contours as the corresponding walls of the bucket member. The screening member is arranged, in an inoperative position, to be maintained inside the bucket member with its walls in close proximity to the corresponding walls of the bucket member, and, in an operative position, to be maintained outwardly pivoted from the bucket member to allow a fine fraction of material to pass freely through the holes of the walls or the grid structure.

Abstract: A mini-size universal hydraulic excavator capable of performing independently many operating processes, such as digging, pushing, grabbing, drilling and chipping, having essentially three main sections, namely, a chassis carrying traveling device pivotally connected with an earth-moving means, a complete swivel upper carriage provided with a power generator and a driver's seat, and an excavating arm having a boom, a bucket arm, and a bucket. A hydraulic chipper can be connected to the main machine without the necessity of removal of the bucket and the earth-moving means, so that chipping and site clearing can be carried on simultaneously solely by one single machine. A backhoe bucket carrying a scraper employs a multi-bar linkage mechanism having a bucket body, a scraper, and a bucket arm so that the bucket can have sufficient bucket capacity in a relatively greater excavating revolving angle range.

Abstract: A method for the facile filling of remotely located forms with cementitious materials. The method uses a transportable bin which is captively coupled to the arms of a skid loader. The bin includes a generally rectangular container having four vertical sides and an accessible interior truncated at a base and having a covered dispensing aperture at the bottom. The covered aperture is adapted to be actuable in situ by the skid loader operator using controls located within reach of the operator when the aperture is vertically disposed over a form to be filled.

Abstract: A shovel for earthmoving equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders, etc., has two side walls, which are interconnected by a shovel bottom positioned between the side walls. The shovel bottom is at least zonally formed by a lattice-like grating, which is movably mounted on the shovel and which can be vibrated. The lattice-like grating is preferably mounted in vibration-damped manner and is driven by a hydraulic motor, which is connected to the hydraulic circuit of the excavator or wheel loader.

Abstract: The payload capacity of an excavating dipper or bucket for a power shovel or dragline is increased by providing an upper bucket portion having support brackets and the strength to support the rated load of the dipper and a disposable lower portion having opposed sidewalls and a bottomwall of a material thickness less than the upper sidewalls and topwall. The lower sidewalls are secured to the upper sidewalls by interference fitted retaining pins disposed in machined bores formed in the upper sidewalls and the lower sidewalls, respectively. The upper sidewalls may be modified to provide spaced-apart plate members which define a slot for receiving the lower sidewall portions, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling bucket of the type commonly used on a front-end loader. The bucket is provided with an apron assembly that includes an apron that is movable fore and aftly between a retracted position where the apron essentially closes the front opening of the bucket to an extended position where the apron is spaced forwardly from the front opening of the bucket. In addition, the apron and entire apron assembly is privotally mounted such that it can be hydraulically moved a generally horizontal position to a vertical position thereby providing clear access to the front opening of the bucket.

Abstract: A reciprocating adjunct for conventional backhoe buckets including a shaft which is supported on bearings and carried on connecting links depending from a bucket curl mechanism which is supported by transverse links extending to a dipper stick associated with conventional backhoe buckets, the shaft including termini having cam surfaces communicating with bearings supporting bucket brackets providing with the dipper stick the sole supports for the bucket whereby rotation of the shaft and therefor the associated cam surfaces causes a reciprocating oscillating motion of the bucket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning the interior of a digging bucket pivotally mounted on an articulated boom. The apparatus comprises a pair of struts pivotally mounted on a proximal segment of the articulated boom, a scraper mounted at the distal end of the struts, and means for pivoting the struts relative to the boom.

Abstract: A tractor mounted front end loader with a swingable boom assembly carrying a bucket, there being an ejector assembly for the bucket. The boom arms are shortened to place the center of gravity of the bucket proximal to the front tires of the loader, to place the cutting edge of the bucket closer to the center line of the front axle of the tractor; to place the boom to bucket pivot proximal to the surface upon which the loader is working and the cutting edge of the bucket in a horizontal plane slightly below that of the boom to bucket pivot, as compared with a loader without a bucket ejector assembly, to the end that bucket capacity is increased, reach and dump height are increased, cycle time is reduced and greater breakout force can be developed inasmuch as the bucket can be dumped, by use of the ejector assembly, while in a horizontal position. The ejector assembly includes upper and lower swingable panels within the bucket, hinged together with means for sealing the hinge.

Abstract: A gathering blade is mounted on a vehicle which carries a front end loading bucket, so that material can be gathered by the blade and pulled onto the bucket. The gathering blade is mounted on the ends of a pair of arms which are slidable longitudinally in a pair of guides, one on either side of the vehicle, and preferably in the planes of the control and operating arms of the bucket. The blade can be lifted up under the arms, which can then be retracted by means of hydraulic and pistons. The guides are rotatable about an axis attached to the vehicle, and are supported by pistons and cylinders from the operating arms, so that the bucket has full freedom of movement in an upwardly direction, and the blade does not obstruct the view of the operator.

Abstract: An attachment for a backhoe bucket or front end loader bucket comprising, in the case of the backhoe bucket, a pair of connected rippers attached to the inside of the bucket and, in the case of the front end loader bucket, at least three connected rippers attached inside the bucket. The rippers are attached by pins to the sides and upper bottom portion of the bucket. The earth engaging ends of the rippers are above the bucket edge so that the rippers will dislodge earth which subsequently falls into the bucket and the bucket edge can be used for finish work without ripper interference.

Abstract: An ejector bucket for mounting on a front end or backhoe loader vehicle, provided with an ejector actuated by a mechanism that does not protrude from the bucket walls. The actuating mechanism is contained within a small area behind the ejector and is attached to the rear of the ejector and the top wall of the bucket. The absence of protruding cylinders or the like makes the bucket mountable on loaders of all designs. Flexible means connect the actuating mechanism to the engine of the loader vehicle or other power source.