Abstract: An articulated work vehicle with a regenerative hydraulic circuit may comprise a front chassis, a rear chassis, first and second hydraulic cylinders each with head and rod chambers and each pivotally connected to the front chassis and the rear chassis, and an articulation joint. The rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder may be hydraulically connected to the head chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder via a flow restrictor. The rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder may also be hydraulically connected to a hydraulic source via a check valve which is configured to allow hydraulic flow into the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder. The articulation joint may pivotally connect the front chassis to the rear chassis. The articulation joint may be laterally positioned between the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An articulated work vehicle with a regenerative hydraulic circuit may comprise a front chassis, a rear chassis, first and second hydraulic cylinders each with head and rod chambers and each pivotally connected to the front chassis and the rear chassis, and an articulation joint. The rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder may be hydraulically connected to the head chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder via a flow restrictor. The rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder may also be hydraulically connected to a hydraulic source via a check valve which is configured to allow hydraulic flow into the rod chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder. The articulation joint may pivotally connect the front chassis to the rear chassis. The articulation joint may be laterally positioned between the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic system that includes a controller controlling multiple hydraulic pumps to power multiple hydraulic functions. Any ratio of flow can be directed from each of the pumps to each of the functions, including having a pump dedicated to each function, or having one pump dedicated to one function and another pump supplying multiple functions including the one function. The controller can receive machine feedback and failure data indicating regions of the system with functional disruptions, and can direct flow from the pumps to the functions along routes that avoid the functional disruptions. The system can include operator input devices that provide operator inputs to the controller for controlling the system. The system can operate the hydraulic system in different modes, including modes to improve fuel efficiency and to improve productivity. The system can include a mode switch for operator selection of a desired mode.

Abstract: A fail-safe system and method for an electro-hydraulic system. The system includes a controller, sensor, directional control valve, interlock, hydraulic valve and movement actuator. The directional control valve moves when the controller is moved. The interlock is hydraulically coupled to the directional control valve; and is in active position when the directional control valve is moved, and in shutoff position when the directional control valve is not moved. The hydraulic valve has an input side coupled to a flow source and an output side coupled to a hydraulic function. The movement actuator moves the hydraulic valve to a desired position as directed by the controller when the interlock is in the active position, and does not move the hydraulic valve when the interlock is in the shutoff position. The sensor detects movement of the controller and sends a control signal to the first valve actuator.

Abstract: A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support. An attachment is coupled to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of the attachment with respect to the boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within the target attachment angular range associated with the ready position state in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A fail-safe system and method for an electro-hydraulic system. The system includes a controller, sensor, directional control valve, interlock, hydraulic valve and movement actuator. The directional control valve moves when the controller is moved. The interlock is hydraulically coupled to the directional control valve; and is in active position when the directional control valve is moved, and in shutoff position when the directional control valve is not moved. The hydraulic valve has an input side coupled to a flow source and an output side coupled to a hydraulic function. The movement actuator moves the hydraulic valve to a desired position as directed by the controller when the interlock is in the active position, and does not move the hydraulic valve when the interlock is in the shutoff position. The sensor detects movement of the controller and sends a control signal to the first valve actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system that includes a controller controlling multiple hydraulic pumps to power multiple hydraulic functions. Any ratio of flow can be directed from each of the pumps to each of the functions, including having a pump dedicated to each function, or having one pump dedicated to one function and another pump supplying multiple functions including the one function. The controller can receive machine feedback and failure data indicating regions of the system with functional disruptions, and can direct flow from the pumps to the functions along routes that avoid the functional disruptions. The system can include operator input devices that provide operator inputs to the controller for controlling the system. The system can operate the hydraulic system in different modes, including modes to improve fuel efficiency and to improve productivity. The system can include a mode switch for operator selection of a desired mode.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with a boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the ready position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A first sensor detects a boom position of a boom based on a first linear position of a first movable member of a first hydraulic cylinder. A second sensor detects an attachment position of an attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of a second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the ready position state in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A system for cooling an electrical machine is disclosed. The electrical machine includes a stator including a plurality of coils, an exterior housing, and an end cap. During operation of the electrical machine, a fluid is sprayed from the end cap onto the plurality of coils to carry away heat generated by the electrical machine.

Abstract: A control system including MR or ER fluid is used to control actuation. The control system is configured to engage or disengage operably coupled elements. A joystick control system for a vehicle includes a controller configured to control engagement of operably coupled elements.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration level of the boom during or after raising of the boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle if the detected acceleration level of the boom is less than a minimum level during an attempt to raise the boom.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the ready position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A system for cooling an electrical machine is disclosed. The electrical machine includes a stator including a plurality of coils, an exterior housing, and an end cap. During operation of the electrical machine, a fluid is sprayed from the end cap onto the plurality of coils to carry away heat generated by the electrical machine.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom and a second torque level is associated with an elevated boom position higher than the lower boom position. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle when the detected second torque level meets or exceeds a second torque threshold, for example.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle) near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within the target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with a boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle). An attachment is coupled to one end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position of attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of the second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position from another position. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within a target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command.