Hydraulic Weigher Patents (Class 177/141)
  • Patent number: 11892052
    Abstract: A temperature compensating shock strut health indicator system for use with a shock strut comprises a visual indicator comprising a plurality of sectors and a pointer configured to rotate with respect to the visual indicator to point to one of the plurality of sectors. The sector to which the pointer points to is dependent on the shock strut stroke (i.e., the position of the piston with respect to the cylinder). In various embodiments, the visual indicator includes various rings that correspond to a different temperature compensated ideal stroke whereby a crew member can correspond the pointer to the appropriate ring depending on ambient temperature. In various embodiments, the pointer comprises a temperature sensitive material configured to cause the pointer to rotate with respect to the visual indicator to actively compensate for temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishal Sreekumar Menon, Basavaraj Bodki, Jason Bradley Allen, Adam J. Ditzler
  • Patent number: 11718308
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle with a cargo space includes a detection unit for detecting movement of a wheel suspension and/or an inertial measuring unit for detecting movements of a sprung mass of the vehicle in order to evaluate a loading state of cargo in the cargo space. To provide improved cargo capacity, improved user-friendliness, and improved driving behavior, the commercial vehicle has an optical signaling unit arranged in the cargo space which is electrically activatable using an evaluation electronics unit, wherein the evaluation electronics unit is configured to activate the signaling unit on the basis of signals of the detection unit and/or the inertial measuring unit which are generated upon placement of the cargo on a cargo surface of the cargo space in such a way that an optimum position of the cargo surface is displayable by means of the signaling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kilian Vas, Jonathan Berkemeier, Friederike Philipsenburg
  • Patent number: 11454000
    Abstract: A method for depositing material at a target location with a work vehicle includes receiving an input associated with a target weight of the material to be deposited at the target location. Additionally, the method includes controlling an operation of the vehicle such that an implement of the vehicle obtains a quantity of the material. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the operation of the vehicle such that the implement is raised from a first to a second position. Moreover, the method includes determining a weight of the currently obtained quantity of the material as the implement is raised from the first to the second position. In addition, the method includes controlling the operation of the vehicle such that the currently obtained quantity of the material is deposited at the target location. Further, the method includes initiating display of a current total weight of the material deposited at the target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Natalia Lucas, Stojan Arezina, Brad Anthony Stemper, Andrea Maria Cardona Alfaro, Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 11346704
    Abstract: A load sensor bucket for equipment is operable in a loading mode and a metering mode. In the loading mode, the bucket is disposed to load material. In the metering mode, the bucket is tilted upward with the load sensors oriented to form a vertical metering column that is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface. In the metering mode, the bucket orients a center of mass of the material within the vertical metering column so that the load sensors can measure the bucket load. The measurement can be conveyed to an operator of the machine, who can then determine real time whether the bucket is loaded to a target amount of material. A related method can include detecting a load parameter, such as stress/strain, via the load sensors and displaying output in a cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: AIS Construction Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Bonthuis, Chad Fullerton
  • Patent number: 11263831
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a load carrying mechanism configured to carry a load of material during operation of the mobile machine at a worksite. The mobile machine includes a position detection system configured to determine a position of the mobile machine and generate a position output indicative of the position of the mobile machine. The mobile machine includes a measuring system configured to determine a measure of the load and generate a measure output indicative of the measure of the load. The mobile machine also includes a material movement tracking system configured to receive the position output from the position detection system and the measure output from the measuring system and, based on both the position and the measure output, generate a material tracking indicator indicative of movement of the load of material around the worksite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Lance R. Sherlock
  • Patent number: 11192660
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) oil quantity indication system and method provides a stable and accurate oil quantity indication during startup, mission duration and shutdown. The system determines a gulp value at various stages of operation, which is combined with a raw oil quantity indication to provide an indicated oil quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert Mallette, Harold Riley
  • Patent number: 11148645
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly includes a leg assembly including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions of the leg assembly telescopingly engage one another, a gear assembly operably coupled to the first and second leg portions and configured to telescopingly move the first and second leg portions with respect to one another, and a drive assembly operably coupled to the gear assembly, and including a planetary gear arrangement configured to drive the gear assembly at a first speed and at a second speed that is different than the first speed, and a motor configured to drive the planetary gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hicks, Andrew L. Wallner, David Sun, Tianyu Ling, Patrick Salois, Brian M. Collins
  • Patent number: 10954650
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Myers, Doug M. Lehmann, Aaron R. Kenkel, Kyle E. Leinaar, Brian K. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 10954654
    Abstract: A work machine includes systems and methods for stability control and for calibrating the stability control. During operation the load on a work implement is detected and it is determined if the load is at or above a threshold value. A derated fluid output is determined if the load is at or above the threshold value. A control signal is output to the valve based on the derated fluid output. During calibration the pressure in a hydraulic cylinder is detected at one or more locations as a mechanical arm moves between a lower position and an upper position. One or more baseline values are established for the mechanical arm between the lower position and the upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Kyle E. Leinaar, Brian K. Kellogg, David J. Myers, Doug M. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10866136
    Abstract: A system of calculating a payload weight, the system including: a first sensor configured to measure a first load associated with a first member of a lifting machine; a second sensor configured to measure a second load associated with a second member of the lifting machine; and a calculating device configured to calculate the payload weight being carried by the lifting machine based on the first load and the second load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: CQMS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Bruce Alexander Leslie, Nicholas Simon Hillier
  • Patent number: 10704228
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a position determination unit which determines a position of loading on a loaded vehicle based on a state of loading on the loaded vehicle, a display, and a representation control unit which has the display show loading guidance corresponding to the position of loading determined by the position determination unit for a laterally viewed loaded vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10684182
    Abstract: A method for determining a mass of an implement includes providing a rear powerlift having at least one upper link and at least one lower link and a support structure disposed at the rear of a utility vehicle. The method includes defining an angle (?) between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal line, an angle (?) between the lower link and the vehicle horizontal line, an angle of inclination (?) of a vehicle horizontal line relative to a terrestrial horizontal line, a path (LV) representative of a connection along the lower link between the support structure and the implement, and a force (FU) impinging on a connection between the upper link and the implement and acting along the upper link. The mass is determined by at least one of the angle (?), the angle (?), the angle of inclination (?), the path (LV), and the force (FU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael Meid, Sebastian Traut
  • Patent number: 10641646
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the mass of an object may include (i) applying a vibratory force to the object so that the object vibrates in whole or in part, (ii) providing a sensor or sensors configured to measure vibrations of the object in response to the force, (iii) measuring vibration data from the sensor or sensors, and (iv) comparing the vibration data or a parameter derived therefrom to reference data or one or more reference parameters, so as to determine the mass of the object or an indication that the mass of the object differs from that indicated by the reference data or one or more reference parameters. The object may, but need not necessarily, be a vehicle. The vibratory force may be provided by an integral vehicle component, for example a vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventors: Simon John Holden, Joseph Henry Spencer, George Winstone
  • Patent number: 10603973
    Abstract: The invention detects at least either one of a supply fault and a ground fault distinctively from a disconnection. A compressor relay 22 is placed between a battery 21 and an air compressor module 5. The compressor relay 22 controls the drive and stop of the air compressor module 5. A compressor driver 26 outputs a drive signal to the compressor relay 22. A ground-side voltage monitor 28 detects the drive voltage of the compressor relay 22. A pressure sensor 17 detects air pressure in a discharge side of the air compressor module 5. A microcomputer 30 of a controller 25 detects a ground fault and a disconnection of the drive signal of the compressor 22 distinctively from each other on the basis of a voltage value Vg detected by the ground-side voltage monitor 28 and a pressure valve P detected by the pressure sensor 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kasuya, Nobuyuki Ichimaru, Takahide Kobayashi, Ryusuke Hirao
  • Patent number: 10539451
    Abstract: In a load weighing method for a wheel loader, an inclined angle of a ground surface on a slope where the wheel loader is working is detected. A change in a boom angle and a change in a pressure of a boom cylinder are detected while pivoting the boom and an attachment connected to the boom when a load is placed on the attachment. Weight of the load is calculated using the inclined angle of the ground surface, the change in the boom angle, and the change in the pressure of the boom cylinder as variables of a rotational dynamic equation for the pivot of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun-Koo Kang
  • Patent number: 10500916
    Abstract: An axle load monitoring system for a load-transporting motor vehicle having one or more auxiliary axles wherein the monitoring system detects a noncompliant carrying-weight condition when the current gross vehicle weight is more than a prescribed maximum allowable gross vehicle weight assigned thereto and/or the current carrying weight of any primary axle and any designated axle group is more than a prescribed maximum allowable carrying weight assigned thereto. And if the current gross vehicle weight is equal to or less than the prescribed maximum allowable gross vehicle weight and the current center of gravity of the vehicle is in a compliance-manageable range which is established by the monitoring system and specific to the vehicle, the monitoring system recommends auxiliary axle usage that would result in compliance with the prescribed maximum and minimum allowable carrying weight assigned to each of the primary axles, any designated axle group and any utilized auxiliary axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 10401249
    Abstract: A method for detecting an unbalanced payload condition in a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a first sensor, a pressure exerted on each of one or more struts in the machine by a payload. The method further includes detecting, by a second sensor, one or more operational parameters associated with machine. Furthermore, method includes determining, by a controller, a center of gravity of the payload based on detected pressure, the one or more operational parameters, and one or more dimensions of the machine. Additionally, the method includes determining, by the controller, a force being exerted, by the payload, on each traction member of the machine based on the center of gravity of the payload. The method further includes detecting, by the controller, the unbalanced payload condition when the force, being exerted on at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members, exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Lee Steinlage, Jason Bell, Stefan Jacob Wulf
  • Patent number: 10336387
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a passenger presence sensor mounted thereto, and a seat assembly removably connected to. The seat assembly includes a driver seat disposed on the frame and a passenger seat disposed on the frame rearward of the 5 driver seat, at least the passenger seat being selectively disposed on the frame. A rigid passenger presence responsive member (PPRM) is retained in the passenger seat and movable with respect to the frame between at least a first position and a second position responsive to a weight of a passenger seated on the passenger seat. The PPRM is coupled to the passenger presence sensor in at least one of the first and 10 second positions, the passenger presence sensor is thereby configured to detect a presence of the passenger. Removable passenger seats for a vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Lacasse-Jobin, Mark Hebert
  • Patent number: 10337909
    Abstract: The load measuring apparatus for a working machine includes a front load acquisition unit that acquires a front load applied to front suspension cylinders 18Al, 18Ar, a rear load acquisition unit that acquires a rear load applied to rear suspension cylinders 18Bl, 18Br, a surface resistance detection unit 320 that detects a surface resistance of a travel road for a dump truck 1, an adder 313 that based on the front load acquired by the front load acquisition unit and the rear load acquired by the rear load acquisition unit, computes a total load acting on the suspension cylinders 18Al, 18Ar, 18Bl, 18Br to determine the load of a cargo 14A, and a total load correction unit 321 that corrects the total load, which has been computed by the adder 313, according to the surface resistance detected by the surface resistance detection unit 320.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Minoshima
  • Patent number: 10317273
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new load measuring apparatus for a construction machine that enables more enhancing measurement precision by monitoring a condition of a suspension cylinder. The load measuring apparatus for a construction machine according to the present invention is provided with a loading weight arithmetic module 111 that calculates a loading weight on the basis of loads of plural suspension cylinders 51 and a loading weight confirmation module 112 that outputs the calculated loading weight when the loads of the suspension cylinders 51 are all equal to or larger than a specified value and makes the calculated loading weight ineffective without outputting the loading weight when any one of the loads is below the specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Minoshima
  • Patent number: 10309857
    Abstract: A method for determining a center-of-gravity of an aircraft in three dimensions includes determining a first center-of-gravity location for an aircraft in a first plane defined by a first axis and a second axis. The method includes positioning the aircraft in a tilted position by rotating the aircraft and determining a second center-of-gravity location for the aircraft in the first plane in the tilted position. The method includes comparing the first center-of-gravity location to the second center-of-gravity location to determine a component of the first center-of-gravity location along a third axis defined out-of-plane from the first plane to determine a three-dimensional center-of-gravity of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Parkhurst, Jason Satira, Mark R. Alber
  • Patent number: 10094703
    Abstract: A trailer includes: a chassis; a floating coupling apparatus coupled to the chassis, a portion of the floating coupling apparatus configured to move in a vertical direction relative to the chassis; a kingpin attached to the floating coupling apparatus; a displacement-sensing device positioned between an attachment portion on the chassis and an attachment portion on the floating coupling apparatus, the displacement-sensing device configured to sense a load acting on the displacement-sensing device; and a fluid system in fluid communication with the displacement-sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: AIR OPS, LLC
    Inventor: Carl Mitchell Dyal
  • Patent number: 10081224
    Abstract: A suspension system includes: suspensions that respectively include vehicle height control actuators; a pressure medium supply-discharge device; and a vehicle height controller configured to control the pressure medium supply-discharge device to control vehicle height, wherein a magnitude of resistance that is generated during a change in the vehicle height at one or more of the suspensions is larger than a magnitude of resistance at another one or more of the suspensions, and the vehicle height controller is configured to execute vehicle height control for the wheel that corresponds to the one or more of the suspensions with the large magnitude of the resistance prior to vehicle height control for the wheel that corresponds to the other one or more of the suspensions with the small magnitude of the resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Ohashi, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Shogo Tanaka, Kohtaroh Okimura
  • Patent number: 10072397
    Abstract: A payload management system embodiment may include a force sensing system operatively associated with a bucket of an excavator. The force sensing system senses a magnitude of a force required to hold the bucket at a defined position with respect to a reference datum. An angle sensing system operatively associated with the bucket senses a direction of the force with respect the reference datum. A processing system operatively associated with the force system and the angle sensing system processes data relating to the magnitude of the force and the direction of the force to determine the amount of the payload in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Patent number: 9959963
    Abstract: A current controller includes a current control circuit and a current detection circuit, which detects a current flowing through a solenoid of an electromagnetic proportional relief valve. The current control circuit sets a current command to a sum of a value obtained by multiplying a feedforward gain by a target current value, a value obtained by multiplying a proportional gain by a current deviation, and a value obtained by multiplying an integral gain by a current deviation integral value. The current control circuit then controls the current flowing through the solenoid in accordance with the current command. When the current detected by the current detection circuit is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the current control circuit resets the current deviation and the current deviation integral value and sets the current command based on the reset values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Yukikazu Koide, Norihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 9939311
    Abstract: A payload monitoring system is disclosed. The payload monitoring system may include a machine, an operator interface configured to receive input from and output data to an operator of the machine, and a controller in communication with the machine and the operator interface. The machine may include an implement assembly for loading payload material onto at least one receptacle. The controller may be configured to start a first load cycle to monitor loading of payload material by the implement assembly onto a first receptacle, receive a signal from the operator interface to pause the first load cycle, stop monitoring of the first load cycle, and save data associated with the first load cycle into a memory associated with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Walter Stanley, Jeffery Edwin Buettner, Aaron Mitchel Elwell
  • Patent number: 9834905
    Abstract: A method of controlling a work machine including a working implement with a boom, an arm, and a bucket, includes: acquiring distance data between the bucket and a target excavating topography; determining a target blade tip speed of the bucket based on the distance data; calculating a target boom speed based on the target blade tip speed and at least one of an arm operation amount and a bucket operation amount; calculating a correction amount of the target boom speed based on an integration in time of a distance between the bucket and the target excavating topography; limiting the correction amount based on the distance between the bucket and the target excavating topography; and outputting an instruction for driving a boom cylinder driving the boom based on the target boom speed corrected by the correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 9631969
    Abstract: A scale for mounting on a semi-trailer having an air bag in the suspension and an air line connected to the air bag includes a pressure transducer for connecting to the air line and measuring the pressure in the air bag, and to send a signal correlated to the sensed pressure, a process module in electric communication with the pressure transducer and configured to receive the signal therefrom wherein the process module is configured to correlate the signal from the pressure transducer to a weight of a load on the trailer, and a display module configured to receive a signal from the process module indicating the sensed weight and display the sensed weight of the load on the semi-trailer. A method for monitoring weight includes converting pressure in the air line to a weight of the semi-trailer, which can be monitored in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Denny Whalen
  • Patent number: 9464403
    Abstract: A system for estimating the weight of a payload in a bucket is provided. The system includes a pivotable lift linkage, a lift cylinder assembly, a pivotable tilt linkage and a tilt cylinder assembly. A payload measurement system receives pressure data relating to a pressure in the lift cylinder assembly and angular position data relating to an angular position of the bucket relative. The payload measurement system is configured to estimate weight of a payload in the bucket based on the pressure data, the angular position data and predetermined physical parameters relating to the tilt linkage and lift linkage that are useable to characterize an effect of a portion of the payload that is supported by the tilt cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Shatters
  • Patent number: 9366563
    Abstract: A scale assembly for determining a weight and converted volume of fluid and gas withdrawn from a tank. A plurality of lift cylinders and cam linkages are arranged in paired and perimeter spaced fashion about a perimeter of the tank in extending fashion through an associated support flange. The cam linkages are normally biased in a first position to restrain the tank into contact with the support surface, the linkages being actuated in a second position to release the tank for subsequent elevation by the lift cylinders. A load cell is arranged in communication between each of the lift cylinders and the pallet support surfaces and, upon being recalibrated following tank elevation, measures the weight and converted volume of the delivered fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Mitchell W. Michaluk, III
  • Patent number: 9334631
    Abstract: A method for calibrating strain transducers mounted to a power shovel may include the steps of: Calculating at least one member joint load for a known loading condition when at least one member of the power shovel is in a statically determinate configuration; determining a calculated shear force and a calculated normal force in the member of the power shovel based on the calculated member joint load; measuring a strain in the member; determining a measured shear force and a measured normal force for the member based on the measured strain; and determining a calibration constant from the calculated shear and normal forces and the measured shear and normal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Patent number: 9211774
    Abstract: A method of managing a vehicle load comprises measuring for one of a plurality of tire pressures with a tire sensor associated with each of the plurality of tires and a plurality of pressures and heights with a plurality of suspension sensors associated with each of a plurality of corner assemblies for an air suspension system. The vehicle load is calculated for each of the plurality of corner assemblies with an ECU based on the measured data. At least one load dependent vehicle characteristic is calculated based on the vehicle load at the individual corner assemblies with the ECU. At least one vehicle operating parameter is adjusted to compensate for the at least one load dependent vehicle characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughn James Swanson
  • Patent number: 9174831
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting motor vehicles, with a carrying element for carrying the motor vehicle to be lifted, wherein this carrying element has at least one sensor device for detecting a weight force of the vehicle to be lifted, wherein the carrying element has at least two carrying arms which are arranged in a central region of the carrying element and which starting from the central region extend in at least two different directions. At least one sensor element for detecting a partial weight force is provided in each case on these carrying arms, wherein a force determining device for determining the weight force takes into consideration the partial weight forces determined by the at least three sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HERRMANN AG
    Inventor: Roland Rothkegel
  • Patent number: 9091586
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a payload determination method associated with a machine includes determining first head-end and first rod-end pressures of a first actuator operably connected to a boom of the machine as the boom is raised across a position at a reference lift angle. The method further includes determining first head-end and first rod-end pressures of a second actuator operably connected to a work tool of the machine as the boom is raised across the position. The method further includes determining a weight of a payload carried by the work tool based on the first head-end pressure of the first actuator, the first rod-end pressure of the first actuator, the first head-end pressure of the second actuator, the first rod-end pressure of the second actuator, and a determined pitch angle of the machine. In such an exemplary method, the payload is carried by the work tool during at least one of the determining steps described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Evan Hague, Sameer Marathe
  • Publication number: 20150107911
    Abstract: A load sensing system for a wheelchair lift arrangement includes an elongated member that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis between an unloaded position and a loaded position; a biasing member that biases the elongated member toward the unloaded position; at least one contact member connected to the elongated member and configured to contact a bridge plate; and a switch assembly operatively connected to the elongated member, the switch assembly being configured to be activated to prevent operation of the wheelchair lift arrangement when the elongated member is in the loaded position. A method of regulating movement of a lift platform of a wheelchair lift arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Dante V. DeLeo, Haur Tsu Su
  • Patent number: 8954243
    Abstract: Tip-off is a process of bringing a transport vehicle to a target weight by using only part of a bucket of a loader. By observing sensor data, tip-off may be automatically determined. Once determined, a visual indication may be made to an operator, allowing the operator to both confirm that tip-off mode is active and to show what tip-off mode is selected, truck tip-off or pile tip-off. Among other benefits, automatic tip-off allows an operator to maintain contact with the loader controls when entering tip-off mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Harshberger, Jeff Buettner, Robert Stanley
  • Publication number: 20140291038
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a payload determination method associated with a machine includes determining first head-end and first rod-end pressures of a first actuator operably connected to a boom of the machine as the boom is raised across a position at a reference lift angle. The method further includes determining first head-end and first rod-end pressures of a second actuator operably connected to a work tool of the machine as the boom is raised across the position. The method further includes determining a weight of a payload carried by the work tool based on the first head-end pressure of the first actuator, the first rod-end pressure of the first actuator, the first head-end pressure of the second actuator, the first rod-end pressure of the second actuator, and a determined pitch angle of the machine. In such an exemplary method, the payload is carried by the work tool during at least one of the determining steps described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Evan Hague, Sameer Marathe
  • Patent number: 8825315
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8816225
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher
  • Patent number: 8674243
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, LLC
    Inventor: John Michael Curotto
  • Patent number: 8660758
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement having at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may have at least one state sensor configured to measure a state of the at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may also have a processing device in communication with the at least one state sensor. The processing device may account for changes in a center of gravity of each of the at least two linkage members. The processing device may also be configured to use the at least one state sensor to determine a mass of a payload moved by the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Vijayakumar Janardhan, Jeffrey Kent Berry, Brian Mintah, Everett Gene Brandt, Robert J. Price, Kevin Dwight King
  • Patent number: 8565965
    Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, recording, computing and transmitting the oxygen levels and identification of oxygen contamination within an aircraft telescopic landing gear strut. An oxygen sensor is mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts as to monitor, recognize, measure and record the identification of oxygen within the telescopic landing gear struts. The amount of oxygen within each landing gear strut is measured and recorded and downloaded to the responsible aircraft maintenance department. By detecting the amount of oxygen in a strut, steps can be taken to purge the gas from the strut to minimize corrosion of strut components and to prevent internal combustion of the gas and oil in the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: C. Kirk Nance
  • Patent number: 8431840
    Abstract: Support element for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a carrying element of the lifting platform and a vehicle which is to be raised, wherein the support element can be removed from the carrying element, wherein the support element rests on at least one vertically displaceable transfer element that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed above said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight resting on the support element, and in that the pressure chamber has an annular recess, in particular a groove, which is sealed by the equally annular transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Roland Hörnstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Roland Hörnstein
  • Patent number: 8431839
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing element for lifting platforms, which is a displaceable part of a bearing arm of a load receiving element of a lifting platform, with a vehicle bearing element resting on that end of said bearing element that protrudes from the carrier, wherein at least one annular recess, in particular an annular groove, is arranged on the upper side of said bearing element, in which at least one vertically displaceable transfer element is disposed that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed below said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Roland Hörnstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Roland Hörnstein
  • Patent number: 8370031
    Abstract: A digging machine. The machine includes a rod having a central bore with at least two strain gauges angled relative to each other, a hoist rope, and a CPU configured to create a calibration table of a plurality of outputs from each of the two strain gauges, given various rope tensions and rope angles, determine an unknown rope tension and rope angle, use the output from one strain gauge and create a first set of data point angle and tension pairs from plurality of calibration outputs that correspond to the one output from one strain gauge, use the output from the other strain gauge and create a second set of data point angle and tension pairs from the plurality of calibration outputs that correspond to the one output from other strain gauge, and determine, based on where said two sets of data points intersect, rope tension and rope angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Patent number: 8359143
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8330059
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a front loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weights of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Curotto
  • Publication number: 20120255796
    Abstract: A method and device for a safety weight indicator for a gin pole truck, the indicator having a a hydraulic tension load cell, the tension load cell further having a top end fastened to a brace at the top of an A frame comprised of gin poles, and the load cell further having a bottom end through which a hook of a first sheave communicates, the first sheave further suspending a cable supporting a load, the indicator further having a pressure converting gauge calibrated to convert a hydraulic signal into pounds of weight, and a hose communicating changes in levels of hydraulic fluid from the load cell to the pressure converting gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Ronnie Lynn BUCKNER
  • Patent number: 8156048
    Abstract: A payload monitoring system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The payload monitoring system may have a tool, a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a velocity of the tool, and a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a lift force of the tool. The payload monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller may be configured to record the velocity and the lift force of the tool during a work cycle based on the first and second signals, and partition the work cycle into a plurality of segments including a loaded moving segment. The controller may also be configured to determine a period of time within the loaded moving segment during which the velocity of the tool is substantially constant, and calculate a payload of the tool based on the lift force recorded during the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King, Vijayakumar Janardhan, Shoji Tozawa
  • Publication number: 20110031040
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: RICON CORP.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher