AU2014218396A2 - Bucket for use with a loader - Google Patents

Abstract

H: \eb\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\EB\6679875_1.DOC-27/08/2014 - 19 A bucket for use with a loader, the bucket including a body including a first opening for receiving a load, and a second opening for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings are in communication; a conveyor in communication with the second opening, and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket; and, a chute supported by the bucket for at least partially directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly. Fig. 1B Fig. 1B

Description

BUCKET FOR USE WITH A LOADER Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a bucket for use with a loader, and in some examples, for discharging stemming material, such as an aggregate, to a desired position, such as into a blast hole.

Description of the Prior Art [0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] In some industries, such as mining, construction, and the like, it is desirable to conduct controlled explosions. In this regard, in order to constrain the explosion according to a desired blast area, blast holes are drilled for receiving the explosives. Typically, the blast holes are backfilled prior to ignition in order to contain the explosion at the desired depth, and this usually involves positioning an amount of aggregate, such as gravel and/or sand, into the blast holes. In this context, the aggregate is typically referred to as stemming material.

[0004] Conventionally, stemming material is transported to a blast site using stemming trucks, where the stemming material is offloaded from the truck directly into the blast hole, for example, using an open conveyor. However, conventional stemming trucks are typically large and have limited manoeuvrability making them unsuitable for delivering stemming material to blast holes in close proximity to each other, blast holes distant from a suitable road, and/or holes surrounded by obstacles.

[0005] In some instances, a loader, in association with a conventional bucket including a spout, is used to deliver stemming material into a blast hole. However, such an arrangement requires an additional person to oversee the delivery of stemming material in order to signal to the loader operator when sufficient material has been delivered. In this situation it is not uncommon to oversupply a blast hole with stemming material, thus incurring significant waste and increasing costs.

[0006] In some examples, it is particularly desirable to deliver a predetermined amount of stemming material into a blast hole between explosive charges. Conventionally, this process involves an additional person to oversee the delivery of stemming material whilst periodically positioning a tape measure into the blast hole in order to determine when a sufficient quantity of stemming material has been delivered. As will be appreciated this is a particularly time consuming, labour intensive and costly process.

[0007] US-7,758,294 describes 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.

[0008] However, such an arrangement results in a limited ability to adequately control the discharge of aggregates and also tends to dissipate aggregates over a wide area.

Summary of the Present Invention [0009] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art and/or provide a workable alternative.

[0010] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide a bucket for use with a loader, the bucket including: a) a body including a first opening for receiving a load, and a second opening for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings are in communication; b) a conveyor in communication with the second opening, and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket; and, c) a chute supported by the bucket for at least partially directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly.

[0011] Typically, the chute is mounted laterally adjacent the second opening.

[0012] Typically, the chute is mounted proximal to a discharge end of the conveyor.

[0013] Typically, the chute is detachably mounted to the bucket.

[0014] Typically, the chute includes at least one viewing aperture.

[0015] Typically, the conveyor is at least partially controlled by a hydraulic motor.

[0016] Typically, a controller is configured to at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load.

[0017] In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a bucket for use with a loader, the bucket including: a) a body including a first opening for receiving a load, and a second opening for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings are in communication; and, b) a conveyor in communication with the second opening and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket, wherein the conveyor is at least partially controlled by a hydraulic motor, and wherein a controller is configured to at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load.

[0018] Typically, the bucket includes a chute supported by the bucket for at least partially directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly.

[0019] Typically, an electromechanical valve is configured to control the supply of the hydraulic fluid based upon electronic signals received from the controller.

[0020] Typically, the electromechanical valve is operable to at least one of: a) control a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid; b) shutoff the hydraulic fluid; c) release the hydraulic fluid; and, d) meter the hydraulic fluid.

[0021] Typically, the electromechanical valve includes a solenoid valve.

[0022] Typically, an electronic processing device is configured to send control signals to the controller, wherein the control signals are at least partially based on user input.

[0023] Typically, the first opening is larger than the second opening.

[0024] Typically, the first opening and the second opening are located in opposing ends of the body.

[0025] Typically, the bucket includes at least one distribution member mounted proximal to the second opening for distributing the released load.

[0026] Typically, the hydraulic motor is coupled to a drive shaft of the conveyor to thereby control the conveyor.

[0027] Typically, the bucket includes a shutoff button for deactivating the conveyor.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0028] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - [0029] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a first example of a bucket for use with a loader; [0030] Figure IB is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the bucket of Figure 1A at the line A-A'; [0031] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the bucket of Figure 1A at the line B-B'; [0032] Figure ID is a schematic diagram of an end view of the bucket of Figure 1A from the direction C; [0033] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a second example of a bucket for use with a loader; [0034] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the bucket of Figure 2A including a chute; and, [0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic processing device for a bucket for use with a loader.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0036] An example of a bucket for use with a loader will now be described with reference to Figures lAto ID.

[0037] In this example, the bucket 100 includes a body 101 including a first opening 102 for receiving a load, and a second opening 103 for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings 102, 103 are in communication. Additionally, the bucket 100 includes a conveyor 104 in communication with the second opening 102, and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket 100. In use, the bucket 100 is mounted to a loader and conveyed to a desired position, such as adjacent a blast hole, with the conveyor 104 being operated to discharge material laterally into the blast hole.

[0038] The bucket 100 typically includes a chute 105 supported by the bucket 100 for at least partially directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the load, such as aggregate, sand and/or gravel, to be directed to a desired position, such as directly into a blast hole, thereby minimising wastage, spillage and misplacement. In addition, the chute 105 provides dust suppression whilst the load is discharged, such that the need for additional dust suppression equipment is minimised. A reduction in dust is also particularly beneficial in minimising health and safety risks to personnel during operation of the bucket 100.

[0039] In another example, the conveyor 104 is at least partially controlled by a hydraulic motor 106, where a controller 107 is configured to at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 106, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load. This is particularly beneficial as, in some examples, it allows an operator to accurately meter a desired volume of load, thus minimising waste and cost and/or minimising undesired effects through the metering of an inadequate or too substantial load. In other examples, the operator can accurately control the rate of discharge of the load, which can aid in ensuring desired load distribution is achieved. In some examples, the controller 107 may be included in the bucket 100 and/or loader, however this is not essential.

[0040] Thus, an operator is able to electronically control the volume of discharged load from any suitable location, and in one example, from controls located in the loader. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the bucket 100 to be operated by a single person from the loader, and reduces the need for an additional person to maintain a watch over the desired discharge position in order to assess when an adequate volume of load has been discharged. This is also evident in situations where a predetermined amount of stemming material is required to be delivered to a blast hole between explosive charges. In this example, the loader operator is able to accurately control the volume of stemming material discharged from the loader, without the need for an additional person to measure and oversee the discharge process, thus incurring significant savings in labour costs.

[0041] In any event, the abovementioned bucket 100 may be for use in discharging any suitable load depending upon the application. In one example, the load may include aggregate such as sand and gravel, and may be used for discharge into blast holes for the purposes of executing a controlled explosion. In other examples, the aggregate may be discharged during construction of structures, for example, as backfill around supporting posts, swimming pools, trenches, and the like.

[0042] The abovementioned bucket 100 provides the further advantage of its use with any suitable loader. This is particularly advantageous as in some instances it may be necessary to discharge aggregate in and around obstacles, particularly on construction sites, or into a number of blast holes in close proximity to each other, or desired positions which are located a significant distance from a suitable road. In such situations, it may be desirable to use the bucket 100 with a highly manoeuvrable loader, for example, an excavator sold under the trade name Bobcat®, and/or with an articulated loader. Therefore, the bucket 100 provides a number of benefits over, for example, conventional stemming trucks which are large and have limited manoeuvrability.

[0043] A number of further features will now be described.

[0044] In one example, the chute 105 is mounted laterally adjacent the second opening 103. In this regard, the chute 105 is advantageously positioned to direct the load as it is laterally discharged relative to the second opening 103. Lateral placement is particularly beneficial as it allows a loader operator or other person, to oversee the discharge of the load. However, this is not essential and in other examples the chute 105 may be positioned in any suitable location for directing the discharged load. For example, the conveyor 104 may be sloped away from the second opening 103, in which case the chute 105 may be distant from the second opening.

[0045] In some examples, the chute 105 is shaped in order that the discharged load is directed laterally then downwardly, for example, into a hole such as a blasting hole. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the bucket 100 to be positioned at a distance substantially laterally in respect of the hole, thereby facilitating ease of oversight, if required. For example, the loader operator, or other user, may beneficially be able to view the hole opening in order to align the chute 105 therewith, and/or oversee the discharge of aggregate therein.

[0046] In a further example, the chute 105 is mounted proximal to a discharge end of the conveyor 104. In this regard, the chute 105 is beneficially mounted to direct the discharged load as it exits off the conveyor 104. However, this is not essential and in other examples the chute 105 may be mounted in any suitable manner, for example, depending upon the application.

[0047] Whilst in some examples the conveyor 104 may include a single discharge end, in other examples the conveyor 104 may include more than one discharge end. For example, the conveyor 104 may be operable in both a forward and reverse direction, with respective discharge ends located at opposing ends of the conveyor 104. This is particularly beneficial in situations where a jam may halt forward (or reverse) motion of the conveyor 104, and thus the conveyor 104 may instead be operated in reverse (or forward). Accordingly, in some examples the bucket 100 may include more than one chute 105. For example, the bucket 100 may include a chute 105 proximal to each discharge end of the conveyor 104.

[0048] In some examples, the chute 105 is detachably mounted to the bucket 100. This may be particularly beneficial for storing and transport of the bucket 100 when not in use, where the chute 105 may be removed in order to minimise damage. Additionally, it may be desirable in some situations to use the bucket 100 without the chute 105 attached, for example, in order to manual oversee the distribution of the load. In these situations it is particularly beneficial that the chute 105 is detachable, thus provided flexibility and adaptability according to a particular use.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the chute 105 may include one or more viewing apertures (not shown). In this regard, the viewing apertures may be located in any suitable portion of the chute 105, and are beneficial in allowing a user to oversee the distribution of the load, and ensure correct operation of the bucket 100. In some examples, the viewing aperture may be overlaid with an at least partially transparent material, such as a transparent thermoplastic, or a poly(methyl methacrylate), for example, sold under the trade name Perspex, or the like, such that the dust and/or projectile distribution during use is minimised whilst maintaining the ability to manually view the distribution process.

[0050] In some examples, an electromechanical valve 108 configured to control the supply of the hydraulic fluid based upon electronic signals received from the controller 107. In this regard, the electromechanical valve 108 is coupled to a hydraulic supply line 114, which is typically coupled to the loader, and to a hydraulic feed line 115 coupled to the hydraulic motor. In this respect, the electromechanical valve 108 may be included on the bucket 100 and/or loader, or another suitable location. Thus, the electromechanical valve 108 acts on the supply of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic supply line 114 to thereby control the supply of hydraulic fluid to the feed line 115.

[0051] In this regard, the electromechanical valve 108 may be operable to control any suitable characteristic of the hydraulic fluid to the feed line 115, and in some examples at least partially controls one or more of a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid, a shutoff of the hydraulic fluid, a release of the hydraulic fluid, and a metering of the hydraulic fluid. In this regard, characteristics of the hydraulic fluid influence one or more characteristics of the conveyor 104, such as activation, deactivation, speed, duration of activation, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the electromechanical valve 108 includes a solenoid valve, however any suitable electromechanical valve 108 may be used.

[0052] In some examples, an electronic processing device is configured to send control signals to the controller 107, wherein the control signals are at least partially based on user input. In this regard, the user may provide user input from any suitable terminal, such as a control panel within the loader, a wireless communication device, such as a smartphone, or the like, and in any event this is discussed in more detail below. Thus, the electronic processing device may be included in the loader, or remote from the loader, or the like.

[0053] In respect of the bucket 100, typically the first opening 102 of the bucket 100 is larger than the second opening 103, as shown in this example. This is particularly beneficial for accepting a load of aggregate and narrowing a profile of the load as it is released, thus allowing more accurate control of the final placement when the load is distributed. However, this feature is not essential.

[0054] Additionally, the first opening 102 and the second opening 103 are located in opposing ends of the body 101. This is advantageous, as the bucket 100 may utilise gravity in order to release the load through the second opening 103 once received, and this will be discussed in more detail below. However, in other examples it may be desirable to offset the first and second openings 102, 103, according to the intended use of the bucket 100.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the bucket 101 includes one or more distribution members 109, 110 mounted proximal to the second opening 103 for distributing the released load. In this example, two distribution members 109, 110 are shown extending along opposing sides of the second opening, in order to direct the released load toward the centre of the conveyor 104. This is particularly beneficial in minimising the risk of aggregate falling down the sides of the conveyor 104 and interfering with the conveyor drive mechanism, and/or being distributed away from the desired position.

[0056] In a further example, a distribution member may also be included above the surface of the conveyor 104, such as an inverted "L" shaped bar with optional protrusions. This type of distribution member may be particularly suited to providing aeration or agitation to the released load before distribution, which can be beneficial/desirable for certain types of aggregate. However, the use of distribution members 109, 110 is optional.

[0057] In this example, the hydraulic motor 106 is coupled to a drive shaft 111 of the conveyor 104 to thereby control the conveyor 104. In this regard, the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic motor 106 actuates rotary motion of a portion of the hydraulic motor 106. The rotary motion is then transferred to the drive shaft 111 via a coupling 115 between the rotary portion of the hydraulic motor 106 and a portion of the drive draft 111. This is particularly beneficial as in the event of an unexpected stoppage of the conveyor 104, such as due to a jam, the coupling 112 will typically fail, thus minimising damaging to the hydraulic motor 106. In this regard, the coupling 112 may be formed of any suitable arrangement, such as a chain, belt, or the like. However, the hydraulic motor 106 may drive the conveyor 104 in any suitable manner, and in an alternative arrangement the drive shaft 111 may be directly driven by the hydraulic motor 106. This arrangement may also be referred to as a direct drive motor.

[0058] Also in this example, the bucket 100 includes an attachment member 113 for detachably coupling the bucket 100 to the loader. In this regard, the attachment member 113 is located on a side of the body 101, which typically extends between the first and second opening 102, 103. Thus, when attached to the loader, the bucket may be tilted by the loader in order to position the first opening 102 adjacent a load in order to scoop the load into the first opening 102. An extension portion 116, cutting edge, or fingers, extending from a side of the first opening 102 opposing the side of the body 101 on which the attachment member is mounted, aids acceptance of the load into the first opening 102, however this feature is optional. The attachment member 113 may be formed in any suitable manner for attaching a bucket 100 to a loader, as will be appreciated by the skilled person, and therefore will not be described in further detail here.

[0059] In one example, the bucket 100 includes a shutoff button (not shown) for deactivating the conveyor 104. Typically, the shutoff button causes the conveyor 104 to immediately deactivate, for example, as a means of externally controlling load discharge, or in response to an emergency, or the like. As will be appreciated, this is particularly advantageous for the health and safety of people in proximity to the bucket 100 and/or conveyor 104 whilst in use. In one example, the shutoff button is located proximal to the discharge end of the conveyor 104. In a further example, the shutoff button is configured to meet health and safety requirements and/or regulations.

[0060] A method of using the bucket will now be described. In this regard, the method includes attaching the bucket 100 to the loader via the attachment member 113, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Typically this step also includes attaching the hydraulic supply line 114 to the loader's hydraulic fluid supply.

[0061] Optionally, the method may include calibrating the controller 107. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, and may include determining one or more characteristics of the bucket 100 and/or loader, such as loader engine speed, loader size, conveyor 104 speed, conveyor 104 size, or the like. In this regard, the controller 107 may determine the characteristics in any suitable manner, such as, by receiving input from an operator, looking up one or more characteristics in memory, over a communication network, or the like, and/or by receiving and interpreting signals from sensors positioned in the loader, bucket 100 or conveyor 104. This can be advantageous as, for example, the idle speed of the loader engine may effect the supply of hydraulics to the bucket 100, and thus calibrating the controller 107 accordingly provides increased accuracy. In addition, characteristics of the conveyor 104 may affect the speed or volume of discharged load, hence calibration in this situation can be beneficial.

[0062] In one example, calibration is performed on a temporal basis based upon a diameter of a blast hole, or any other suitable hole to be at least partially filled with the load. In this regard, the controller determines the diameter of the blast hole, for example, based upon user input received via a control panel, by looking up a value of the diameter in memory, or using sensors, and this will be discussed further below. The controller then determines a volume of load discharged by the conveyor per unit of time. This may also be achieved in any suitable manner, such as using a speed and a load capacity of the conveyor. In some examples, the volume of load per unit time is determined based upon user input, a value stored in memory, or using sensors.

[0063] Thus, a progressive depth of load discharged into the hole may be determined based upon the determined diameter, the determined volume of load discharged per unit time, and a period of operation of the conveyor. Such a progressive depth may be output to the user, for example in a display, such that the user is able to monitor filling of the blast hole, and optionally manually deactivate the conveyor when a desired depth is reached. It will also be appreciated that a predetermined depth of load may also be determined by the controller, such that the controller determines a time of operation of the conveyor and activates/deactivates the conveyor accordingly in order to fill the hole to the predetermined depth.

[0064] As discussed above, in some example one or more of the calibration parameters such as the diameter, volume discharged per unit time, hole depth, conveyor speed, and the like, may be determined by one or more sensors. In this regard, any suitable sensors may be used. For example, a sensor may be used to sense a depth of a hole and/or a depth or height of stemming material in a hole using SONAR, RADAR, laser(s) or any other suitable arrangement.

[0065] The method subsequently includes receiving a load, for example of aggregate, in the first opening 102 of the bucket 100. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, and in one example includes utilising the loader to manoeuvre the first opening 102 of the bucket 100 to actively scoop the load into the bucket 100. Alternatively, a load may be positioned into the first opening 102, for example, by a conventional truck, such as a stemming truck, manual shovelling, or the like. In a further alternative, the bucket 100 may be utilised to actively dig a load, for example, using the cutting edge 116.

[0066] Optionally, the method may subsequently include manoeuvring the loader and bucket 100 to the desired discharge position, such as adjacent a blast hole. During this step, it may be desirable in some examples to ensure that the conveyor 104 is inactive in order to minimise spillage of the load while manoeuvring. In this regard, once the loader and bucket 100 are positioned adjacent the desired discharge position, the conveyor 104 may be reactivated.

[0067] The method further includes releasing the received load from the second opening 103 of the bucket 100. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, and in the preferred embodiment is achieved at least partially utilising gravity as the second opening 103 is located at an opposing side of the body 101 to, and substantially underneath, the first opening 102.

[0068] Upon and/or during release of the load from the second opening 103, the method may include at least partial distribution of the released load onto the conveyor 104, for example, using distribution members 109, 110, such as those as described above.

[0069] The method further includes laterally conveying the released load using the activated conveyor 104.

[0070] Optionally the method may include the controller 107 electronically controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 106, for example, via the electromechanical valve 108. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, as discussed above, for example by interpreting user input and/or by interpreting a predetermined set of instructions, in order to generate the electronic signals at least partially based upon the user input or the predetermined instructions. In this regard, the electronic signals received by the electromechanical valve 108, cause the valve 108 to actuate control of any suitable characteristic of the hydraulic fluid, such as a predetermined flow rate, shutoff, release or metering of the hydraulic fluid, to thereby influence one or more of the speed, activation, deactivation, and/or duration of activation of the conveyor 104.

[0071] The method further includes laterally conveying the released load for discharge from the bucket 100. In this regard, the load is conveyed to a discharge end of the conveyor 104 where it typically falls from the discharge end, under the influence of gravity, into the desired discharge position. Optionally, the method may include directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly using a chute 105, as described above.

[0072] Thus, the above method offers a number of significant advantages. For example, the use of a bucket 100 and loader allows for increased manoeuvrability thus facilitating placement of the load in desired positions which may be surrounded by obstacles, distant from roads, and/or in close proximity to each other. In addition, the chute 105 allows for the discharged load to be directed, thus increasing the accuracy of load placement and minimising dust which can be hazardous to health and safety. Furthermore, electronic control provides additional control of the discharged load, thus allowing the loader operator to accurately meter the discharged load without, for example, the aid of an additional user to oversee discharge.

[0073] A second example of a bucket for use with a loader is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Features similar to those of the example described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals.

[0074] In this example, the bucket 200 includes a body 201 including a first opening (not shown) for receiving a load, and a second opening 203 for releasing the load, a conveyor 204 in communication with the second opening 203, and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket 200. In this regard, the conveyor 204 is controlled by a hydraulic motor 206 which actuates the drive shaft 211 of the conveyor 204 via a chain (not shown).

[0075] In addition, the bucket 200 includes a detachable chute 205 supported by the bucket 200 for directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly. In this regard, the example shown in Figure 2A shows the bucket 200 with the chute 205 detached, and Figure 2B shows the bucket 200 with the chute 205 attached. Also in this example, the bucket 200 includes distribution members 209, 210 on opposing sides of the second opening 203. Furthermore, the bucket 200 includes an attachment member 213 for attaching the bucket to the loader, in use.

[0076] Thus, in use the bucket 200 accepts a load of aggregate via the first opening, the load falls through the second opening 203 under the influence of gravity, and the released load is distributed onto the conveyor 204 by the distribution members 209, 210. The conveyor 204 is controlled by the hydraulic motor 206, which may or may not be controlled using a controller, as discussed above. The released load is conveyed to and off a distribution end of the conveyor 204, for example, along the path P, where it is directed by the chute 205 into a desired position.

[0077] An example of an electronic processing device for use with a bucket according to any one of the examples described herein is shown in Figures 3.

[0078] In this example, the electronic processing device 300 is configured to send control signals to a controller that at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor of the bucket, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load. In this regard, the controller may be any suitable controller, for example, a processor, such as a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or any other electronic or mechanical device, system or arrangement capable of controlling the hydraulic motor. As discussed above, in the preferred embodiment the controller sends electronic signals to an electromechanical valve, such as a solenoid, such that the electromechanical valve controls the supply of the hydraulic fluid based upon the received electronic signals.

[0079] Thus, the electronic processing device 300 includes any suitable electronic processing device, such as a processing system, and an example is shown in Figure 3. The processing system 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, an input/output (I/O) device 303, such as a control panel, a touch screen and/or a keyboard, and display, and an external interface 304 coupled together via a bus 305. The external interface 304 is used for coupling the processing system 300 to peripheral devices, such as the controller, as well as to devices, such as communications networks, databases, other storage devices, or the like. Although a single external interface is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e.g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless, mobile networks or the like) may be provided. It will also be appreciated that additional hardware components, may be incorporated into the processing system 300, depending on the particular implementation.

[0080] In use, the processor 301 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 302 to allow control signals to be sent to the controller to be executed, for example to control the supply of hydraulic fluid, and optionally to receive and interpret any signals from the controller, for example to log an error, receive an acknowledgement, receive information from sensors located on the electromechanical valve, or the like. In addition, the processing system 300 may receive input from an operator, for example, via the EO device 303, such as a control panel, and accordingly generate control signals for controlling the controller at least partially based upon the operator input. Accordingly, for the purposes of the following description, it will be appreciated that actions performed by the processing system 300 are typically performed by the processor 301 under control of instructions stored in the memory 302, and this will not therefore be described in further detail below.

[0081] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing system 300 may be formed from any suitably programmed processing system typically including an electronic processing device such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement capable of interacting with the controller.

[0082] Thus, the above examples describe a bucket 100, 200 for use with a loader which is particularly beneficial in allowing accurate control of load discharge.

[0083] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0084] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that features from different examples above may be used interchangeably where appropriate.

Claims (5)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) A bucket for use with a loader, the bucket including: a) a body including a first opening for receiving a load, and a second opening for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings are in communication; and, b) a conveyor in communication with the second opening and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket, wherein the conveyor is at least partially controlled by a hydraulic motor, and wherein a controller is configured to at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load.
2. 2) A bucket according to claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a chute supported by the bucket for at least partially directing the discharged load laterally and downwardly and wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening and the first opening and the second opening are located in opposing ends of the body.
3. 3) A bucket according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an electromechanical valve is configured to control the supply of the hydraulic fluid based upon electronic signals received from the controller and an electronic processing device is configured to send control signals to the controller, wherein the control signals are at least partially based on user input.
4. 4) A discharge system including: a) a bucket for use with a loader, the bucket including: i) a body including a first opening for receiving a load, and a second opening for releasing the load, wherein the first and second openings are in communication; ii) a conveyor in communication with the second opening and operable to laterally convey the released load for discharge from the bucket, wherein the conveyor is at least partially controlled by a hydraulic motor; and, b) a controller configured to at least partially electronically control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, to thereby at least partially control a volume of the discharged load.
5. 5) A system according to claim 4, wherein the controller includes a processor for electronically controlling a supply of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor of the bucket.