Patent ID: 8376682

Claim:
A device for clearing an obstruction in a silo having a reciprocating frame, the device comprising: a hydraulic system including: a hydraulic cylinder attached to a reciprocating frame by a pushrod, the hydraulic cylinder actuating the reciprocating frame in a linear manner across a silo floor between a first position and a second position; a solenoid valve fluidly connected to the hydraulic cylinder, the solenoid valve directing hydraulic fluid to into the hydraulic cylinder causing either extension toward the first position or retraction toward the second position; a pump fluidly connected to the solenoid valve, the pump for pumping hydraulic fluid to the solenoid valve; a motor connected to the pump for driving the pump; and a tank fluidly connected to the pump and the solenoid valve, the tank for storing hydraulic fluid; an obstruction sensor for sensing an indication that the reciprocating frame has encountered an obstruction; and a controller in communication with the obstruction sensor and the hydraulic system, the controller controlling operation of the hydraulic system to deliver the hydraulic fluid at a first pressure and produce reciprocating motion of the reciprocating frame, the controller responding to the obstruction sensor by performing an obstruction clearance mode that includes causing the hydraulic system to deliver hydraulic fluid at a second pressure thereby increasing force in an attempt to clear an obstruction.