Remote controlled clamshell bucket apparatus and method of using same

A clamshell bucket apparatus adapted for transporting bulk material from a first location to a second desired location using a single hoist support and operating line including:

• a pair of movably connected clamshell bucket assemblies, each of said assemblies having a scoop section forming a closing edge, said assemblies being relatively movable to each other between an open position placing said closing edges a preselected distance apart and a closed position with said closing edges located in juxtaposed relationship for forming a receiver with said scoop sections for the bulk material being transported;
• means operably connected with said pair of clamshell bucket assemblies for operating and manipulating said clamshell bucket assemblies to transport the bulk material to the desired location, said means for operating and manipulating comprising:
• a single hoist support line system adapted to extend from the clamshell bucket apparatus to a crane or the like for selectively supporting the apparatus;
• a hydraulic operating system with said clamshell bucket assemblies and connected with said single hoist support line system for releasably holding said clamshell bucket assemblies in the closed position to transport the bulk material, said hydraulic operating system having a controlled discharge valve for enabling a desired flow of hydraulic fluid to release said clamshell bucket assemblies for movement from the closed position to the open position for discharging the transported bulk material at the second location;
• and
• said controlled discharge valve being operable to block the flow of hydraulic fluid in said hydraulic operating system to lock said hydraulic system relative to said single hoist support line system whereby when said single hoist line is tensioned said clamshell bucket assemblies move to the closed position for forming said receiver for bulk material.

A clamshell bucket apparatus adapted for transporting bulk material from a first location to a second desired location using a single hoist support and operating line including:

• a pair of movably connected clamshell bucket assemblies, each of said assemblies having a scoop section forming a closing edge, said assemblies being relatively movable to each other between an open position placing said closing edges a preselected distance apart and a closed position with said closing edges located in juxtaposed relationship for forming a receiver with said scoop sections for the bulk material being transported;
• means operably connected with said pair of clamshell bucket assemblies for operating and manipulating said clamshell bucket assemblies to transport the bulk material to the desired location, said means for operating and manipulating comprising:
• a single hoist support line system adapted to extend from the clamshell bucket apparatus to a crane or the like for selectively supporting the apparatus;
• a hydraulic operating system with said clamshell bucket assemblies and connected with said single hoist support line system for releasably holding said clamshell bucket assemblies in the closed position to transport the bulk material, said hydraulic operating system including an operating cylinder means having a movable piston means disposed therein, said piston means having a portion extending from said operating cylinder means for operable connection with said single hoist support line system, said hydraulic operating system having a normally closed controlled discharge valve for enabling a desired flow of hydraulic fluid from said operating cylinder means to release said clamshell bucket assemblies for gravity movement from the closed position to the open position for discharging the transported bulk material at the second location and said normally closed controlled discharge valve for blocking the flow of hydraulic fluid from said operating cylinder means to lock said movable piston means and said operating cylinder means relative to said single hoist support line system whereby when the single hoist is tensioned said clamshell bucket assemblies are moved to the closed position for forming said receiver for bulk material;
• and
• radio energy signal receiver means associated with said normally closed controlled discharge valve for controlled actuation of said discharge valve to the open position to release said clamshell bucket assemblies when the presence of a preselected radio energy signal is sensed by said radio energy signal receiver means.

A method of operating a single hoist support and operating line clamshell bucket apparatus for transporting bulk material from a first location to a second location, including the steps of:

• loading the bucket apparatus with material to be transported at the first location, said loading including the steps of:
• supporting the clamshell bucket apparatus in an open position on the bulk material;
• blocking the flow of hydraulic fluid in an operating cylinder with the clamshell bucket apparatus to lock said operating cylinder relative to the clamshell bucket apparatus;
• tensioning the single hoist line connected to the clamshell bucket apparatus to position the clamshell bucket apparatus in a closed position for loading the bulk material in a receiver thereformed;
• moving the loaded bucket apparatus using the single hoist support and operating line to a position adjacent the second location suitable for discharge of the bucket apparatus;
• transmitting a preselected radio signal when the clamshell bucket apparatus is suitably positioned for discharge of the bulk material;
• sensing the preselected radio signal with a receiver mounted on the clamshell bucket apparatus;
• and
• actuating the clamshell bucket apparatus to discharge the transported bulk material in response to the preselected radio signal.