Abstract: In an aspect of the invention a ripping mechanism for a vehicle is provided which includes a support frame, a ripping member, a vibrator mechanism, a pressure sensor, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine when the ripping member is engaged with hard material using the pressure sensor. When the ripping member is engaged with hard material, the control system is configured to permit operation of the vibrator mechanism. In some embodiments, the control system may further be configured to automatically start the vibrator mechanism when it detects that the ripping member is engaged with hard material. When the ripping member is not engaged with hard material, the control system is configured to deactivate the vibrator mechanism. In some embodiments, deactivation of the vibrator mechanism means that the control system turns off the vibrator mechanism.

Abstract: To dissipate hydraulic shock created by the bouncing of an implement mounted on a wheeled vehicle, such as a towed tillage implement or the bucket of a vehicle, such as a wheel loader, an electronic control valve, which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator that raises and lowers the implement, is actively controlled by an electronic controller. As the vehicle with an implement is transported at higher speeds, the implement tends to bounce creating pressure spikes in the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the implement. The pressure spikes are dissipated by actively generating random or cancelling hydraulic pulses in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.

Abstract: In a motor grader, when a cylinder hydraulic pressure detected by a cylinder-hydraulic-pressure-detecting section is less than a predetermined threshold value, a control section makes a determination that the motor grader is in a running state and uses a running-hydraulic-pressure waveform corresponding to the running state to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to a clutch. When the cylinder hydraulic pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the control section makes a determination that the motor grader is in a working state and uses a working-hydraulic-pressure waveform corresponding to the working state to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch.

Abstract: A hydraulic latching circuit is provided that allows a load-sense power source to be activated and deactivated depending on the SCV function. The load sense power source is activated when the wing cylinders are fully extended to maintain proper down force on the wings. It remains activated or latched when the SCV is returned to neutral. It is deactivated or unlatched when the wing cylinders are retracted. Two circuits have been devised to accomplish this latching function. Both of these latching circuits can be used with the sequencing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machinery having multiple hydraulically actuated functions and, more particularly, to a control system for using a single proportional valve to control multiple hydraulically actuated functions on a piece of machinery such as a tractor or front-end wheel loader.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto. The present disclosure also provides an attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment. The present disclosure also provides a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling movements of a work vehicle. The positional or geometric state of an equipment assembly for handling objects or material is determined and the control scheme which governs operation of at least one driveline component of the vehicle is varied depending on the determined equipment assembly state.

Abstract: An engine output controller provided in a bulldozer includes an output curve storage device storing a plurality of output curves of an engine and an output curve changing device selecting and shifting to one of the plurality of output curves. The output curve changing device, when a pressure of a blade tilt cylinder is equal to or more than a predetermined value, calls and shifts to a higher output curve from the output curve storage device. When an oil pressure is supplied to the tilt cylinder to tilt a blade and an operation is performed without reducing a soil pressing speed in this condition, the output curve changing device shifts the current output curve to the higher output curve to drive the engine. However, in many other cases, the output curve is automatically switched to a lower output curve to reduce an output of the engine. Thus, the fuel consumption is improved.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine during an excavating operation is provided. Stabilizers are deployed to ground contact to stabilize the machine at a first set-up position. Excavating is performed with an excavating assemblage during a first excavating phase while the machine is stabilized at the first set-up position. An automated machine preparation for repositioning mode is initiated for preparing the machine, after the excavating phase, for repositioning to a second set-up position for a second excavating phase, by activating an input device to send input signals to a controller. Output signals are delivered from the controller to control automated machine preparation for repositioning to the second set-up position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for damping the displacement of construction machines, in particular wheel loaders, comprising working equipment that is driven by means of a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic source, a controlled valve for supplying the hydraulic cylinder with hydraulic fluid, a regulator unit comprising control software, in addition to an acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking and limiting the movement of key identified points on a movable machine, through the use of location devices positioned on the body or appendages of the machine, by comparing the sensed locations against a database of site information, and to restrict movement of the machine and/or its appendages if it has or is likely to pass through a defined boundary in the site information database.

Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system has a ground engaging tool operable to remove material from a surface at a worksite. The control system also has a controller 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 system for controlling implement position including a method for controlling movement of an implement is disclosed. The method includes determining a first parameter configured to affect control of the implement with respect to a first timing. The method also includes determining a second parameter configured to affect control of the implement with respect to a second timing. The second timing is shorter than the first timing. The method also includes selectively establishing a third parameter as a function of the first and second parameters when the second parameter is greater than a predetermined value. The method further includes controlling a position of the implement as a function of the third parameter.

Abstract: A height control system for an implement coupled to a tractor is provided, the implement being raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder on the implement, and the height of the implement being sensed by a position sensor on the implement. An operator input device, such as a lever, is coupled to a digital controller network on the tractor and is used to position the implement before setting upper and lower desired implement heights or set points. The operator input device is also used to raise and lower the implement to the upper and lower desired implement heights by moving the operator input device between first and second predetermined detent positions.

Abstract: To dissipate hydraulic shock created by the bouncing of an implement mounted on a wheeled vehicle, such as a towed tillage implement or the bucket of a vehicle, such as a wheel loader, an electronic control valve, which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator that raises and lowers the implement, is actively controlled by an electronic controller. As the vehicle with an implement is transported at higher speeds, the implement tends to bounce creating pressure spikes in the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the implement. The pressure spikes are dissipated by actively generating random or cancelling hydraulic pulses in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an implement based upon a gear shift include a shift detector circuit which detects a direction of the gear shift and an implement controller circuit which adjusts an implement in response to the direction of the gear shift.

Abstract: A control means for an agricultural tractor is disclosed which has a switching element carrier arranged in proximity to the leading end region of an arm rest of a driver's seat. The control means has a large number of switches for controlling various vehicle units and the carrier has a hand rest (3, 4) provided with a spherical surface for the palm of the vehicle driver's hand. An adjustment wheel (14, 19) is provided for controlling a switching element (12, 24), the adjustment wheel having a setting rim (14a, 19a) which extends from the switching element carrier in a region which can be reached by the fingers of the hand resting on the hand rest (3, 4). Preferably the control means is provided with two adjustment wheels (14, 19) one above the other, each adjustment wheel having a setting rim (14a,19a) which can be reached by the fingers of a hand resting on the hand rest.

Abstract: System and method for providing guidance control for machines. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an implement, by a guidance controller, coupled to a machine. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the implement which affects a control setting of the machine, configuring the control setting of the machine by the guidance controller based, at least in part, on the characteristic of the implement and controlling operation of the machine based on the control setting.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driven wheels are driven by hydraulic motors each having their own drive pump the output of which is controlled by a cam plate. There is provided an automatic steering system having a guidance controller arranged to receive GPS position information and feed back signals and to generate output for controlling a hydraulic control valve for controlling flow in hydraulic fluid for a double acting hydraulic control cylinder arranged to actuate pivotal movement of the steering link member independently of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method for controlling a machine. The method can comprise a plurality of activities that can comprise determining a profile of a surface responsive to a scan of the surface. The method can comprise identifying a predetermined profile from a plurality of predetermined profiles, the identified predetermined profile a closest match of the plurality of predetermined profiles to the profile of the surface. The method can comprise determining a machine procedure based upon the identified predetermined profile. The method can comprise automatically executing the preferred machine procedure via a machine.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a processor adapted to determine a profile of a surface responsive to a scan of the surface. The processor can be adapted to identify a predetermined profile from a plurality of predetermined profiles, the identified predetermined profile a closest match of the plurality of predetermined profiles to the profile of the surface. The processor can be adapted to determine a procedure based upon the identified predetermined profile. The processor can be adapted to provide the procedure to a machine.

Abstract: To provide a construction machine capable of encouraging an operator to perform the driving and the operation for enhancing fuel efficiency. The construction machine includes information providing means 30 to notify the operator of the information such as the operation and/or an operational method or the like to enhance the fuel efficiency. The present construction machine provides the information by monitor display on a monitor screen 26 that is provided in an operator's cabin 11. When operating machine levers 19 and 20 are positioned at a neutral position, if an engine 40 has the idle revolution number not less than a predetermined time, the information providing means 30 provides the information such as the operation or the like to enhance the fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A method of controlling a work tool with respect to a design surface gradient identifies surface gradient and determines a desired angle for the work tool. Movement of the machine is monitored and the distance between the design surface gradient and the work tool is determined. The angle of the work tool is varied based on one or more of these parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for co-ordinated soil cultivation, said system comprising a plurality of soil compacting devices (W1, W2) used to determine location-related relative compacting values (V(W1; TB1, xi, yi;I?1 . . . n)), and a calibrating device (EV) used to determine location-related absolute compacting values. A calculating unit (R), which is connected to the compacting devices (W1, W2) and the calibrating device (EV) in such a way as to transmit messages, is used to correlate the obtained relative and absolute location-related compacting values. A system control (CPU1, . . .

Abstract: A backhoe loader with a controller that uses angular signals from at least one sensor to calculate a loader tool angle with respect to the vehicle frame or with respect to the earth and to maintain the loader tool angle via controller generated commands to a tool actuator as a function of the angular signals and commands to a boom actuator. The controller enables proportional control of the tool angle via a command input device such as an electronic joystick. If the electronic joystick is moved to an appropriate detent position, the controller executes a return to carry function.

Abstract: An excavation support database 40 includes a display table 47 and a display specifics table 48, which serve as storage means dedicated for display. The state of a working region per mesh is stored in the display table 47, and a discriminative display method (display color) is stored in the display specifics table 48 corresponding to the state per mesh. Reference is made to the display specifics table 48 on the basis of the state (height) per mesh, which is stored in the display table 47, to read the corresponding display color from the display specifics table 48, thereby displaying the state of the working region in a color-coded manner. Operation support and management realized with this system can easily be employed in different types of working machines in common and can inexpensively be performed with ease.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for positioning a drawn implement being pulled by a vehicle traveling generally along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a mounting hitch on the rear end thereof where a system hitch is configured to adjust its angular orientation relative to the vehicle mounting hitch and a global positioning system receiver operable to detect the position of the implement relative to the desired path as the vehicle moves generally along the desired path and generate a signal that is indicative of the lateral position of the implement relative to the desired path and means for controlling the hitch means to adjust the angular orientation of the hitch means so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the global positioning system signals.

Abstract: A control system controls steering of an implement which is coupled to an agricultural utility vehicle. The control system includes a control unit, a sensor, a hydraulic system on the utility vehicle, an electronically actuatable hydraulic valve, a hydraulic actuator on the implement and a steerable wheel on the implement. A status variable of the utility vehicle or of the implement can be detected with the sensor and transmitted to the control unit. A current operating state of the utility vehicle and/or of the implement is determined by the control unit. The hydraulic valve is connected to the hydraulic system and to the actuator. The hydraulic valve can be actuated as a function of the current operating state of the utility vehicle and/or of the implement in order to block the steering of the wheel with the actuator.

Abstract: A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto.

Abstract: A versatile load sensing hydraulic system capable of being adapted to a variety of possible configurations for vehicle mounted implements such as plow/spreader type vehicles or the like is disclosed. An embodiment of the hydraulic system comprises a reservoir for hydraulic fluid; a load sensitive variable displacement pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir; and a plow on/off valve having a pressure port coupled to the pump for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure. The plow valve includes a manifold having a fluid channel coupled to the plow valve pressure port and further having a number of return ports; one or more on/off valve coupled to the manifold return ports, each valve being adapted to control fluid flow therein to operate a respective component of the plow equipment; and a stroke valve coupled to a manifold return port, the stroke valve being adapted to operate in conjunction with one or more of the on/off valve for providing a load sensing pressure signal to the pump.

Abstract: A soil moisture mapping based method for transferring soil for an earthworks construction project includes outputting signals based on soil moisture data and position data indicative of a location within a cut area or a fill area of the soil. The method further includes selecting a location within a cut area for obtaining fill soil or a location within a fill area for depositing fill soil based on the signals. A system for supplying soil for an earthworks construction project includes at least one machine having a sensor configured to sense soil moisture, and a receiver configured to receive position data corresponding with a location of the soil, and a signaling device configured to output signals based on the position data and soil moisture data. A transfer machine is included in the system and configured to selectively transfer fill soil between the cut area and the fill area based on the signals.

Abstract: An automatic steering of an agricultural tractor on a surface of a field to be processed is accomplished by equipping the tractor with a camera for taking a picture of a region of the field, which is in front of the tractor, including the surface that is to be processed, generating a pixel data file from a picture signal of the camera, generating texture information with respect to the texture of the surroundings of the pixels contained in the data file, classifying the pixels of the pixel data file while considering the texture information, in order to generate a binary information as to whether or not a particular pixel is to be associated with the surface that is to be processed, generating a steering signal based on the results of the classification, and repositioning the steering device of the harvesting machine according to the steering signal so that the machine is steered automatically along the surface that is to be processed.

Abstract: To provide a construction machine capable of encouraging an operator to perform the driving and the operation for enhancing fuel efficiency. The construction machine includes information providing means 30 to notify the operator of the information such as the operation and/or an operational method or the like to enhance the fuel efficiency. The present construction machine provides the information by monitor display on a monitor screens 26 that is provided in an operator's cabin 11. When operating machine levers 19 and 20 are positioned at a neutral position, if an engine 40 has the idle revolution number not less than a predetermined time, the information providing means 30 provides the information such as the operation or the like to enhance the fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A method for reducing a torque load associated with an implement includes determining a speed associated with a power source, wherein the power source is configured to provide power to a hydraulic pump, determining a position associated with an implement system, and limiting a flow associated with the hydraulic pump based on the speed associated with the power source and the position associated with the implement system.

Abstract: An earthmoving system, includes in one embodiment a laser transmitter for transmitting a reference beam of laser light, and a laser receiver mounted on a mast on the bulldozer blade. The bulldozer has a frame and a cutting blade supported by a blade support extending from said frame. The blade support includes hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to said frame, and for tilting the blade along its length. The mast extends upward from, and is movable with, the blade. An inclinometer is mounted for movement with the blade to provide an indication of the inclination of the blade. A sensor detects turning of the bulldozer. A control is responsive to the laser receiver, to the inclinometer, and to the sensor, for controlling the operation of said cylinders and adjusting the position of said blade. When rapid turning of said bulldozer is detected the control operates to reduce the errors that would otherwise result from an erroneous inclinometer output.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated land maintenance vehicle over a work area includes (a) determining a work regime by dividing the work area into regions; selecting at least one instruction for the vehicle to follow with respect to each region; providing data relating to the regions and to the associated instructions to a processor; computing, by the processor, the work regime for the vehicle from the data; and (b) providing data relating to the work regime to a controller of the vehicle, whereby the vehicle is operated to follow the work regime.

Abstract: A grading control system for a work machine having a work implement for grading along a grade defined by a laser plane generator is disclosed. The system includes tilt and lift actuators associated with the work implement and configured to selectively tilt, raise and lower the work implement. A laser receiver is configured to receive a laser signal indicative of a desired grade. The laser receiver is configured to communicate a height signal indicative of a position of the work machine relative to the laser plane. A lift sensor is configured to communicate a lift signal indicative of a lift position of the work implement. A control module is configured to generate and communicate a control signal based on the height and lift signals to actuate at least one of the lift and tilt actuators to maintain the work implement at a position substantially corresponding to the desired grade.

Abstract: The invention refers to a combination of a self-propelled harvester (32) and a transport vehicle (33), set up to accept crops from the harvester, which has at least one driven and at least one steered axle, wherein the transport vehicle (33) has an electronic control unit (38) which is set up to control the driven and the steered axle of the transport vehicle (33), and the control unit (38) is connected to a receiving unit which is set up to receive position data for the harvester (32) so that the control unit (38) can be operated to control the transport vehicle (33) to accept crops from the harvester (32) automatically with respect to a position of the harvester (32). The proposal is made that the control unit (38) be operable to automatically make the transport vehicle (32) drive parallel to the harvester (32) and to be docked to it so as to be able to accept crops from the harvester (32), and that the transport vehicle (33) be unmanned.

Abstract: A sod harvester includes a sod cut-off system driven by a hydraulic actuator controlled by a processor in response to signals from a ground speed sensor to cut a strip of sod to a desired length. The controller also operating to control the speed of conveyors used to roll the sod into a roll. The sensor measures the rotations of a ground wheel and produces a signal which is used by a processor on the harvester to determine the distance traveled by the harvester. A control valve assembly and a high pressure hydraulic fluid accumulator provide for rapid extension of the actuators to produce a rapid downward cutting action of the cutting blades. A hydraulic motor connected in driving relationship to an outer rear wheel of the harvester provides power thereto to overcome the tendency of the tractor to drift to that side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling an agricultural vehicle. In one embodiment the system comprises a vehicle guidance system for determining a course correction for the agricultural vehicle based upon position data received from a position determining component. The system further comprises a steering controller coupled with the vehicle guidance system and comprising an electric steering output and a hydraulic steering output. The steering controller is for generating a steering command based upon the course correction determined by the vehicle guidance system. The steering controller is further for automatically determining whether it is coupled with either of a steering component or a hydraulic steering component which is coupled with the steering mechanism of the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a path planner and method for planning a path of a vehicle defines a reference row having a reference contour in a work area. A representation of the defined reference row is established. The defined reference row comprises a curved component, a generally linear component, or both. A generator generates one or more contour rows with a tracking contour that tracks or mirrors the reference contour based on a vehicular width and a radius difference parameter associated with the curved component. The contour rows are generated by a translation technique for the generally linear component and a radius modification technique for the curved component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite system for controlling a mobile machine. In one embodiment the system comprises a position determining component for determining the geographic position of the mobile machine. The system further comprises a steering component for controlling the steering mechanism of the mobile machine in response to a message. The system further comprises a control component coupled with the position determining component and with the steering component. The control component generates a message to the steering component in response to receiving position data from the position determining component.

Abstract: A backhoe control pattern selection arrangement is provided for a backhoe controlled by two control levers. The two levers are operatively connected to hydraulic systems that operate the boom and crowd hydraulic cylinders. An electrically operated valve block is electrically connected to a source of power and to a control switch, and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic systems. Changing the state of the control switch actuates the valve block and modifies the hydraulic systems to reverse the correspondence between the control levers and the boom and crowd functions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle with an attachment, which has a lifting drive with at least one hydraulic cylinder and a control device, the control device having a position sensor and a position generator. It is endeavored to improve the position control of the attachment. For this purpose, the control device has a trajectory generator, which generates a trajectory in dependence of a desired position value and an acceleration limit, said trajectory being optimized with regard to a time specification, and a follower, which controls the lift drive in dependence of the trajectory.

Abstract: Changing operating characteristics of an implement can expand the capabilities of and enhances the productivity of the implement. The disclosed method and apparatus for changing operating characteristics of an implement comprises, providing the operating characteristics of the implement with a predetermined operational range consisting of a plurality of values, connecting the implement with a work machine, sending a first input signal identifying the operational range to an electronic control module, operating the implement at a first value within the operational range, sending a second input signal relating to a second value within the operational range to the electronic control module, and sending an output signal from the electronic control module to one of the work machine and the implement to change from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: A method for planning a path for a vehicle comprises creating a travel row transparency over a mapped area. The travel row transparency comprises one or more travel rows are split into travel row sections defined by intersecting the travel row with a map object (e.g., a boundary of mapped area). Partition nodes are generated from the travel row sections. The partition nodes or partition edges are linked together to form a potential drivable path consistent with user input and vehicular constrains. An efficient ordering of the partition nodes are determined consistent with the user input. A path is generated by looping through the ordered partition nodes in the determined efficient order.

Abstract: An electronic control system for use in an agricultural vehicle having a hitch for towing an implement. The control system controls any one or more of a plurality of sub-systems relating to the vehicle operation. The electronic control system includes a memory, a recording mode, and a playback mode. In one aspect of the invention, the driver is enabled during the recording mode to record a break signal in addition to, and without interruption of, the recording of the sequence of control steps being executed by the driver and in that during the playback mode automatic execution of the recorded control steps is interrupted upon detection of a break signal, execution of the remaining recorded control steps in the sequence being resumed only in response to an instruction from the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A compact three-bar linkage steering probe assembly, particularly useful with ultra-narrow row cotton harvester units, includes two vertical rocker arms pivotally connected to a harvester row unit at mid-point locations and upper ends connected by a cross link to generally constrain the arms for rocking in unison. Crop guides connected to the lower ends of the rocker arms follow the bases of the plant stalks as the row of plants enter the unit. The vertical arms are maintained within spacer tubes which prevent interference with adjacent rows of plants and which assure the arms are not disturbed by the adjacent rows. A sensor responsive to rotation of the rocker arms is located at the central pivotal connection. Arm leaf springs or a spring biased adjustable upper cross link provides probe flexibility for accommodating different plant stalk sizes.