Abstract:
A system (10) and method for performing a floating function in an earthmoving implement (12) of an earthmoving machine (14) without physically connecting chambers within a hydraulic actuator (16) that is adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement (12). The system (10) includes a device (18) for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator (16), a valve (22) for compensating for differences in volume between chambers of the actuator (16), and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors (36,38) for sensing the pressures in the chambers of the actuator (16), and a controller (34) for receiving outputs of the sensors (36,38). The controller (34) calculates an amount of the pressurized fluid that, when delivered to or received from the actuator (16), achieves a substantially constant pressures in the chambers of the actuator (16) and enables the earthmoving implement (12) to float regardless of motion of the actuator (16).
Abstract:
A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine (100), and multi-function machines (100) equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices (103) for propelling the machine (100), at least a first implement (104-108), and multiple actuators (20-28) that perform multiple functions of the machine (100). The multiple actuators (20-28) include first actuators (20-25) that control the first implement (104-108) and second actuators (26,27) that control the propelling devices (103). The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps (14-19) for controlling the first actuators (20-25) and optionally the second actuators (26,27), and valves (29-32) that enable at least one of the pumps (14-16,19) to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators (20-25,28) and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps (14-19) sequentially controls the second actuators (26,27) in combination with any of the first actuators (20-25).
Abstract:
An earthmoving system (100), includes in one embodiment a laser transmitter (102) for transmitting a reference beam of laser light (104), and a laser receiver (126) mounted on a mast (128) on the bulldozer blade (110). The bulldozer (106) has a frame (108) and a cutting blade (110) supported by a blade support (112) extending from said frame (108). The blade support (112) includes hydraulic cylinders (114) for raising and lowering the blade (110) in relation to said frame (108), and for tilting the blade along its length. The mast (128) extends upward from, and is movable with, the blade (110). An inclinometer (134) is mounted for movement with the blade to provide an indication of the inclination of the blade (110). A sensor (160) detects turning of the bulldozer (106). A control (140) is responsive to the laser receiver (126), to the inclinometer (134), and to the sensor (160), for controlling the operation of said cylinders (114) and adjusting the position of said blade (110). When rapid turning of said bulldozer (106) is detected the control (140) operates to reduce the errors that would otherwise result from an erroneous inclinometer (134) output.
Abstract:
A control system (16) for a machine (12) is disclosed. The control system has a ground engaging tool (18) operable to remove material from a surface at a worksite (10). The control system also has a controller (30) configured to generate a desired single-pass excavation contour prior to engagement of the ground engaging tool with the surface. The desired single- pass excavation contour has one or more predefined characteristics.
Abstract:
A control system (16) for a machine (12) is disclosed. The control system has a ground engaging tool (18) operable to remove material from a surface at a worksite (10). The control system also has a controller (30) configured to generate a desired single-pass excavation contour prior to engagement of the ground engaging tool with the surface. The desired single- pass excavation contour has one or more predefined characteristics.
Abstract:
A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of the machine include a robotic total station and a plurality of targets (44, 46) in known positions relative to the machine element (36). The total station (10), located at a known location near the machine element, repeatedly, successively determines the location of each target. Acquisition and reacquisition of the targets is aided by stored data regarding the prior locations and movements of the targets. Further, active targets may be used to facilitate re-acquisition. The operation of the machine is controlled based upon the location and orientation of the machine element.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft sowohl ein Verfahren zum Ermitteln der horizontalen Position eines an einer Höhenreferenzfläche hochpräzise zu orientierenden Objekts (1), insbesondere einer mobilen Arbeitsmaschine, unter Verwendung wenigstens eines Rotationslasers (2), als auch den Rotationslaser (2) selbst. Der Rotationslaser (2) umfasst eine Rotationseinheit (3), eine Laserquelle (4) zur Emission einer Laserstrahlung (5) in eine rotierende, horizontale Emissionsrichtung (α) und Mittel zum Behaften mindestens eines Strahlungsparameters der Laserstrahlung (5) mit einer winkelabhängigen Information, aus welcher die Emissionsrichtung () ableitbar ist, so dass die Emissionsrichtung (α) mit der Richtung vom Rotationslaser (2) zu dem Objekt (1), das die Laserstrahlung (5) empfängt, verknüpft ist. Im Rahmen des Verfahrens erfolgt nach einem Aussenden der Laserstrahlung (5) durch den Rotationslaser (2) ein erstes Empfangen der Laserstrahlung (5) durch einen ersten Detektor (6a) des Objekts (1) und ein zweites Empfangen der Laserstrahlung (5') in einer gegenüber der Position beim ersten Empfangen definiert horizontal beabstandeten Position. Das Objekt (1; 1') wird hochpräzise an der Laserstrahlung höhenorientiert. Im Anschluss werden eine erste und eine zweite Emissionsrichtung (α 1 , α 2 ) der empfangenen Laserstrahlung (5; 5') aus der winkelabhängigen Information abgeleitet. Aus der Kenntnis der ersten und der zweiten Emissionsrichtung (α 1 , α 2 ) und des Positionsunterschieds beim zweiten Empfangen zum ersten Empfangen ist die Entfernung (d 1 ) oder horizontale Position (P Ob ; P Ob' ) des Objekts (1; 1') relativ zu der Position (P I ) des Rotationslasers (2) ableitbar.
Abstract:
A hitch assembly (1) commonly used between an accessory (such as a front end bucket) and a tractor or prime mover (such as a skid steer loader). The hitch assembly (1) includes a bearing arrangement, partly integral with one of two frame members (2, 3), which allows the two frame members (2,3) to rotate relative to one another. The two frame members (2, 3) are attached to the tractor via adaptor (61) and the rear of the accessory (eg bucket 60). The bearing portion thus enables rotation of the accessory (60) about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tractor. Automatic control in conjunction with laser type levelling systems or GPS contouring of sloped surfaces is also possible.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for accurately positioning a tool on a mobile machine are provided. The machine operates within a work area about which one or more stationary laser-based subsystems are positioned. The machine includes an on-board subsystem, which comprises a processor, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, a stored digital terrain model (DTM), and a photosensor for detecting a laser beam. The laser beam provides a reference level that is used to adjust the position of the tool. The on-board subsystem determines the current position of the machine using the SPS receiver and accesses the DTM to determine a design elevation corresponding to the current location of the machine. Based on the design elevation, the on-board subsystem computes a height command and transmits the height command to at least one of the laser-based subsystems. Each stationary subsystem includes a vertically telescoping mast on which a laser is mounted, a servo mechanism for raising or lowering the mast, and a receiver for receiving a height command from the on-board subsystem in the machine. The stationary subsystem raises or lowers the mast to adjust the elevation of the laser beam according to the height command.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling a work implement (14) movably connected to a work machine (10). An implement controller (28) automatically controls simultaneous first and second control modes of operation assigned to the work implement (14). A sensor (42) applies a signal to the implement controller (28) indicating position of the work implement (14). The implement controller (28) reverses the simultaneous first and second control modes assigned to the work implement (14) upon detecting a predetermined movement of the work movement. The implement controller (28) also automatically moves the work implement (14) from a first rotation position to a second, mirror image rotational position upon operator actuation of a manually actuatable device (49). The simultaneous first and second control mode assignments may also be changed by actuation of the manually actuatable device (49).