Abstract: A work machine includes a mechanical arm and a work implement coupled to the mechanical arm. The work implement is configured to receive a load. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the mechanical arm to move the arm between a first position and a second position. A sensor unit is configured to detect the load in the work implement. A valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator for supplying a fluid output to the hydraulic actuator. A controller is in communication with the value and the sensor unit. The controller is configured to transmit a control signal to the valve to adjust the fluid output to the hydraulic actuator, and wherein the controller is configured to derate the fluid output in response to a signal from the sensor unit that a load is at or above a threshold value.

Abstract: A work machine having a cab coupled to a frame, a steering system coupled to the frame, a controller configured to selectively articulate the steering system, a joystick assembly positioned in the cab and in communication with the controller, a steering wheel assembly positioned in the cab and configured to selectively articulate the steering system, and a steering wheel sensor coupled to the steering wheel assembly and in communication with the controller to identify movement of the steering wheel assembly. Wherein, the controller does not articulate the steering system responsive to movement of the joystick assembly when the steering wheel sensor identifies movement of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for controlling a valve spool that includes providing a control valve having a first end and a second end with a spool disposed therebetween, a hydraulic component, a controller, a first control circuit and a second control circuit, selectively controlling the pressure in the first end and the second end with the controller, identifying an active state, with the controller, and applying an active pressure to both the first end and the second end with the corresponding first control circuit and second control circuit during the active state, and identifying a first command, with the controller, and providing a command pressure to the first end through the first control circuit and a release pressure to the second end through the second control circuit during the first command. Wherein, the spool is moved within the control valve and the hydraulic component is engaged during the first command.

Abstract: An implement vibration system and method is disclosed that includes a vibration activation device; an electrohydraulic mechanism and a controller. The controller monitors the vibration activation device and sends movement signals to the electrohydraulic mechanism to control implement movement. When the vibration activation device is activated, the controller sends vibration signals to the electrohydraulic mechanism to cause the implement to vibrate. An operator control can send implement commands where the movement signals are based on the implement commands, and when vibration is activated the controller can superimpose the vibration signals on the movement signals. The vibration signals can cause a hydraulic cylinder to repeatedly extend and retract. An electrohydraulic control valve can receive the movement signals and control hydraulic flow to the hydraulic cylinder based on the movement signals. The vibration signals can be complementary signals.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method includes monitoring a position of an actuator during operation of the actuator, determining that an actuator command value is greater than an actuator command value threshold, starting a timer upon a movement of the actuator through a starting position during the operation of the actuator at the actuator command value, determining satisfaction of at least one condition, and stopping the timer upon satisfaction of the at least one condition and movement of the actuator through an ending position.

Abstract: System and method for an operator calibrated implement position display system for a loader work vehicle. The loader work vehicle has a boom and an implement each positionable by hydraulic cylinders actuated by a hydraulic circuit. The system includes a source of position data for the boom and the implement. The system also includes a controller that determines an operator defined level position and stores the operator defined level position as a calibrated level position for the implement. The controller also determines, based on the position data, a current position of the implement and compares the current position of the implement with the calibrated level position. The controller generates operator interface data for rendering on a display associated with the loader work vehicle that graphically illustrates the current position of the implement relative to the calibrated level position.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a system for managing a unique hydraulic system warmup method is described. A warmup system controller is central to the system and provides an interfacing point for communication to hardware components and a machine operator. The warmup system issues commands based on sensor inputs in light of defined rules and/or known physical properties of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic system warmup is managed by the warmup system controller, which is configured to issue commands to affect hydraulic pumps and valves. By way of a controller managed process, the system functions to maximize hydraulic system pressure and limiting release of pressures in the lines, such that the pumps are able to maintain maximum pressure for a sufficient period of time.

Abstract: A method of determining a cycle time of an implement on a work machine includes providing a controller and an actuator for controlling the implement, sending a first instruction from the controller to move the implement to a first position, and sending a second instruction from the controller to move the implement from the first position to a second position. A distance between the first position and the second position is an approximate full stroke of the actuator. The method also includes measuring an amount of time it takes for the implement to move between a first threshold position and a second threshold position. The first threshold position and the second threshold position are defined positions between the first and second positions. The method further includes determining the cycle time of the implement based on the measuring step.

Abstract: A method of determining a cycle time of an implement on a work machine includes providing a controller and an actuator for controlling the implement, sending a first instruction from the controller to move the implement to a first position, and sending a second instruction from the controller to move the implement from the first position to a second position. A distance between the first position and the second position is approximate full stroke of the actuator. The method also includes measuring an amount of time it takes for the implement to move between a first threshold position and a second threshold position. The first threshold position and the second threshold position are defined positions between the first and second positions. The method further includes determining the cycle time of the implement based on the measuring step.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic implement pressure cutoff system is disclosed that includes a pump, one or more hydraulic functions, at least one valve, sensors and control unit. The pump powers the functions, and the valves control flow between the pump and their associated function. The sensor readings indicate system parameters. The control unit receives the readings and controls the valves. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold, the control unit closes the associated valve to prevent flow to or from that function. The sensors can be pressure, position or other types of sensors. Operator control signals can be provided to control the functions. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold in a stalled direction and the operator signals keep commanding the function in the stalled direction, the control unit can close the associated valve regardless of the operator signals.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic implement pressure cutoff system is disclosed that includes a pump, one or more hydraulic functions, at least one valve, sensors and control unit. The pump powers the functions, and the valves control flow between the pump and their associated function. The sensor readings indicate system parameters. The control unit receives the readings and controls the valves. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold, the control unit closes the associated valve to prevent flow to or from that function. The sensors can be pressure, position or other types of sensors. Operator control signals can be provided to control the functions. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold in a stalled direction and the operator signals keep commanding the function in the stalled direction, the control unit can close the associated valve regardless of the operator signals.

Abstract: An open center flushing valve for a hydraulic system including a hydraulic circuit and a fluid flushing system, where the flushing valve has multiple positions that each include a fluid exhaust path through the flushing valve. Any of the flushing valve positions couples the hydraulic circuit to the fluid flushing system through a fluid exhaust path for that position. The flushing valve can include unpowered and powered positions. The hydraulic circuit can have two sides separately coupled to the flushing valve where in a powered position, only one side of the hydraulic circuit is coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve, and in an unpowered position both sides of the hydraulic circuit are coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve. In a powered position, the lower pressure side of the hydraulic circuit can be coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve.

Abstract: A valve calibration system and method is disclosed for an electrohydraulic valve having upstream and downstream sides. A valve current controls the valve orifice size connecting the upstream and downstream sides. The calibration method includes opening the valve, stalling the system to prevent volume changes, and closing the valve with substantially equalized upstream and downstream pressures; then increasing upstream pressure, and finding a calibration current that provides a calibration orifice size through the valve by monitoring downstream pressure. Finding a calibration current can include stepping through valve control currents, sensing downstream pressures, and calculating step orifice sizes until the calculated step orifice size is greater than or equal to the calibration orifice size. Finding a calibration current can include performing a coarse calibration followed by a finer calibration. An offset can be calculated for a valve characteristic relating valve control current to valve orifice size.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a system for managing a unique hydraulic system warmup method is described. A warmup system controller is central to the system and provides an interfacing point for communication to hardware components and a machine operator. The warmup system issues commands based on sensor inputs in light of defined rules and/or known physical properties of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic system warmup is managed by the warmup system controller, which is configured to issue commands to affect hydraulic pumps and valves. By way of a controller managed process, the system functions to maximize hydraulic system pressure and limiting release of pressures in the lines, such that the pumps are able to maintain maximum pressure for a sufficient period of time.

Abstract: A valve calibration system and method is disclosed for an electrohydraulic valve having upstream and downstream sides. A valve current controls the valve orifice size connecting the upstream and downstream sides. The calibration method includes opening the valve, stalling the system to prevent volume changes, and closing the valve with substantially equalized upstream and downstream pressures; then increasing upstream pressure, and finding a calibration current that provides a calibration orifice size through the valve by monitoring downstream pressure. Finding a calibration current can include stepping through valve control currents, sensing downstream pressures, and calculating step orifice sizes until the calculated step orifice size is greater than or equal to the calibration orifice size. Finding a calibration current can include performing a coarse calibration followed by a finer calibration. An offset can be calculated for a valve characteristic relating valve control current to valve orifice size.

Abstract: An open center flushing valve for a hydraulic system including a hydraulic circuit and a fluid flushing system, where the flushing valve has multiple positions that each include a fluid exhaust path through the flushing valve. Any of the flushing valve positions couples the hydraulic circuit to the fluid flushing system through a fluid exhaust path for that position. The flushing valve can include unpowered and powered positions. The hydraulic circuit can have two sides separately coupled to the flushing valve where in a powered position, only one side of the hydraulic circuit is coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve, and in an unpowered position both sides of the hydraulic circuit are coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve. In a powered position, the lower pressure side of the hydraulic circuit can be coupled to the fluid flushing system through the flushing valve.