Abstract: A universal optical adapter assembly for use with a planar automatic grading system for an earth-moving vehicle having a grading implement that defines a graded surface. The automatic grading system includes an energy beam receiver mounted on the earth-moving vehicle and operable for detecting the height at which a datum energy beam strikes the receiver along a detection portion thereof. A control device is operably coupled to the energy beam receiver and the grading implement to control the elevation of the grading implement in response to the position at which the datum energy beam strikes the detection portion of energy beam receiver. The optical interface adapter assembly includes an optical interface apparatus having an energy source emitting one or more implement controlling energy beams strategically onto selected positions of the detection portion the energy beam receiver to control the elevation of the grading implement.

Abstract: A universal optical adapter assembly for use with a planar automatic grading system for an earth-moving vehicle having a grading implement that defines a graded surface. The automatic grading system includes an energy beam receiver mounted on the earth-moving vehicle and operable for detecting the height at which a datum energy beam strikes the receiver along a detection portion thereof. A control device is operably coupled to the energy beam receiver and the grading implement to control the elevation of the grading implement in response to the position at which the datum energy beam strikes the detection portion of energy beam receiver. The optical interface adapter assembly includes an optical interface apparatus having an energy source emitting one or more implement controlling energy beams strategically onto selected positions of the detection portion the energy beam receiver to control the elevation of the grading implement.

Abstract: A non-contacting range sensing and control device for controlling the position of a grading implement relative to a datum is disclosed. The device includes a non-contacting distance measuring device that periodically measures the separation distance between the distance measuring device and the datum. Also included is a reference circuit that defines consecutive first, second, and third intervals for comparison to the separation distance, and a comparison circuit that periodically compares the intervals to the separation distance, and generates a positive error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the first interval, generates no error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the second interval, and generates a negative error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the third interval.