Condition Responsive Or Programmable Means Controls The Excavating Operation Patents (Class 37/414)
  • Patent number: 11802393
    Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body that runs; an upper rotating body that is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body; an attachment attached to the upper rotating body; a display device; and a processor that obtains a current shape of a target ground, calculates a recommended line that is suitable to excavate, with the attachment, the target ground having the obtained current shape, and displays the current shape of the target ground and the recommended line on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 11530527
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an excavation task by an autonomous excavation vehicle comprising a scanning device, the excavation task being described by a target map, the method comprising using an excavation vehicle control system for: a) according to data from the scanning device, maintaining a map representing current terrain; b) moving a sensor-equipped digging implement for executing an excavation operation; c) receiving data indicative of current terrain topography from the sensor; d) updating the maintained map according to the data indicative of current terrain topography; and e) calculating an excavation operation according to the difference between the maintained map and the target map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Ofir Cohen, Dina Appelman
  • Patent number: 11399462
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to establish a first bounding shape within a storage compartment. The controller is also configured to establish a second bounding shape by mirroring the first bounding shape along a lateral centerline of the work vehicle. In addition, the controller is configured to automatically engage product flow from a conveyor outlet to the storage compartment in response to the storage compartment being positioned on a first lateral side of the work vehicle and the conveyor outlet being positioned within the first bounding shape, and to automatically engage product flow from the conveyor outlet to the storage compartment in response to the storage compartment being positioned on a second lateral side of the work vehicle and the conveyor outlet being positioned within the second bounding shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Yaseen Suleman
  • Patent number: 11385646
    Abstract: This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous earth shaping vehicle that is capable of cooperatively executing an earth shaping routine in a dig site with other earth shaping vehicles. A first earth shaping vehicle configured with a tool for excavating earth navigates to a dig location containing earth to be excavated. The first earth shaping vehicle identifies a loading location where the first vehicle may transfer earth to a second earth shaping vehicle configured with a tool for hauling earth between locations. Upon navigating to the loading location and detecting the second earth shaping vehicle at the loading location, the first earth shaping vehicle transfers earth from its excavation tool to the hauling tool of the second earth shaping vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Built Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Austen Ready-Campbell, Andrew Liang, Evan West, Lucas Bruder, Gaurav Jitendra Kikani, Pradeesh Suganthan, James Emerick, Ammar Kothari, Alan Argondizza, Sarah Thornton, Hee Gu Yea, Thomas Pech
  • Patent number: 10920401
    Abstract: System and methods for managing work area reservations are disclosed. A system may receive an indication of a work area to be reserved for an autonomous operation of the autonomous vehicle; broadcast a request to reserve the work area for the autonomous vehicle; determine whether a communication, that indicates a reservation conflict for the work area, has been received; selectively reserve the work area and instructing one or more controllers of the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous operation in the work area based on determining whether the communication has been received by the autonomous vehicle; and broadcast, during the autonomous operation, one or more signals identifying the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10876275
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a lower travelling body, an upper slewing body, a sensor which detects presence/absence of an obstacle in a monitoring region set around the hydraulic excavator in advance and a distance to the obstacle, a control unit which calculates first position information including positional coordinates of an obstacle relative to a reference position set in advance in the hydraulic excavator on the basis of a detection result obtained by the sensor, a time counting unit which acquires time information including time when an obstacle is detected, and a storage unit which stores log data correlating the first position information with the time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yamazaki, Masayuki Komiyama, Reona Takamura
  • Patent number: 10767341
    Abstract: A control system includes a controller. The controller acquires current terrain data that indicates the current terrain to be worked. The controller decides on a target design terrain that is displaced vertically from the current terrain by referring to target displacement data. The target displacement data indicates the target displacement of a work implement according to the amount of movement from a work start position. The controller generates a command signal to move the work implement toward the target design terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10572162
    Abstract: A computerized method is disclosed in which an automation device stores, in a parameter storage, application-related parameters, each parameter uniquely identifying a specific automation device application. The automation device also stores, in an application repository, automation device applications as separate computer program entities. The automation device may detect a pre-determined act, performed by a user, the predetermined act comprising the user selecting via a user interface an application-related parameter among the application-related parameters stored in the parameter storage. Based on the detecting, the automation device retrieves, from the application repository to an execution memory, the automation device application corresponding to the selected application-related parameter, wherein the retrieved automation device application is executable from the execution memory, in order to drive the automation device for an application-related purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ABE Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Jussi Rantanen, Vesa Metso
  • Patent number: 10508410
    Abstract: An automatic swing device for a work machine is capable of performing a sieve operation in the posture where a work device is always at a posture suitable for sieve operation. An automatic swing device includes a posture sensor that detects a posture of a work device, and a controller that outputs signals to operate at least a stick cylinder and a bucket cylinder of the work device. The controller has an automatic swing mode in which the work device is automatically swung while the posture detected by the posture sensor is maintained to be in the range of a predetermined posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Shota Hoshaku, Koichi Murata, Masashi Shibata
  • Patent number: 9677251
    Abstract: A control system controls a construction machine that includes a work machine including a bucket having a plurality of tilting mechanisms. The control system includes: a tilt angle sensor that is provided in the bucket so as to detect tilt angle data including a rotation angle of the bucket about the tilt shaft, the tilt angle sensor being capable of detecting an inclination angle with respect to a horizontal plane; a data acquisition unit to which the tilt angle data is output from the tilt angle sensor; a data fixing unit that fixes the tilt angle data output to the data acquisition unit based on a fixing command to generate fixed data; and a work machine control unit that controls the work machine based on the fixed data until the fixing command is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Kitajima
  • Patent number: 9644651
    Abstract: The method for controlling the hydraulic system of construction machinery according to the present disclosure includes an engine speed prediction step, in which a variable rated engine speed, which varies within a range larger than a fixed rated engine speed and smaller than a high idle engine speed for the fixed rated engine speed and a virtual engine speed, which is to be input later, are predicted to output a virtual engine speed value predicted before an actual engine speed is input. Accordingly, when an operation load is applied, pump torque may initially have a margin, and even though an engine speed is decreased due to the operation load, it is possible to prevent an engine speed decrease phenomenon in which the engine speed becomes remarkably smaller than the rated engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Ho Tho, Woo Yong Jung
  • Patent number: 9593469
    Abstract: A method for controlling a work vehicle based on a monitored tip condition of the work vehicle may generally include determining, with a computing device, a combined center of gravity for the work vehicle based at least in part on an external load applied to a loader arm of the work vehicle, determining a tip-related state of the work vehicle based on a location of the combined center of gravity relative to a pivot point defined between a tire of the work vehicle and a driving surface for the work vehicle and automatically performing a corrective action to counteract vehicle tipping when it is determined that the work vehicle is in a tipping state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Lance Taylor, Timothy Newlin
  • Patent number: 9547417
    Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses a method for generating a touch screen display. The method includes establishing a first run screen associated with a first function of a work vehicle and establishing a second run screen associated with a second function of the work vehicle distinct from the first function and defining an order of appearance of the first run screen and the second run screen within a set of run screens that allows a user to select a run screen in the set of run screens that are displayable in accordance with the defined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Meegan, Bruce Newendorp, Joshua D. Hoffman, Kurtis Vander Wiel, Sean McKay
  • Patent number: 9464406
    Abstract: A construction machine has a work implement and a work implement operating device. The work implement has a boom, arm, and bucket. A limit velocity determining unit determines a limit velocity of the boom from the limit velocity of the entire work implement, the arm target velocity, and the bucket target velocity. The distance when the blade tip of the bucket is positioned outside of the design plane is a positive value and the velocity in a direction from inside of the design plane toward outside of the design plane is a positive value. The first limit condition includes a condition that the limit velocity of the boom is greater than the boom target velocity. When the first limit condition is satisfied, a work implement control unit controls the boom to match the limit velocity of the boom and controls the arm to match the arm target velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Yoshiki Kami, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 9265196
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided with an electrical system. The electrical system includes a control module, transceiver modules, and a wiring system. The control module allows for programmably controlling electrical operations of the riding lawn mower. The transceiver modules are operably connected with respective devices of the riding lawn mower so as to communicate data between the respective devices and the control module. The wiring system comprising wires that electrically connect the transceiver modules with the control module/The wiring system includes a power wire that provide electrical power to the transceiver modules from the battery; and a data bus comprising a data wire that transmits data between the control module and the transceiver modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Matthew Albinger, Bernard Drew
  • Patent number: 9249556
    Abstract: An hydraulic shovel according to the present invention includes a lower running body 1, an upper turning body 3 turnably mounted on the lower running body 1, a boom 4 pivotably attached to the upper turning body 3, an arm 5 pivotably attached to the boom 4, a bucket 6 attached to the arm 5, an boom angle sensor S1 which detects a condition of the boom 4, an attachment condition determining part 300 which determines whether the boom 4 is within a predetermined upper working range based on a detection value of the boom angle sensor S1, and an operating condition switching part 301 which switches an operating condition of the hydraulic shovel. The operating condition switching part 301 slows down a movement of the bucket 6 if the attachment condition determining part 300 determines that an attachment is within the predetermined upper working range UWR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideto Magaki, Ryuji Shiratani
  • Patent number: 9038289
    Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Andrew Wayne Kelly
  • Patent number: 9031760
    Abstract: A tractive force control part of a wheel loader is configured to perform a tractive force control to reduce a maximum tractive force. The tractive force control part is further configured to reduce the maximum tractive force when determination conditions including, while a working implement is performing excavation operation, that the working implement is in a raising hydraulic stall condition and that a drive circuit pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined hydraulic pressure threshold are satisfied during the tractive force control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Patent number: 8970363
    Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
  • Patent number: 8948984
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Patent number: 8924152
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring system and operational parameters on one or more pieces of machinery or equipment. The system can monitor the pieces of machinery or equipment in real time, i.e., the time delay between the taking of a measurement on a piece of equipment and its subsequent display in the system is within accepted standards, e.g., from about 1 second to about 1 minute depending on the type of measurement or data set being monitored. The system can also permit the tracking of the pieces of machinery or equipment and can enable the transfer, i.e., the sending and/or receiving, of information between the system and the pieces of machinery or equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: AgJunction LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Dale Hunt, Jeffrey Allen Dearborn
  • Patent number: 8918230
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods, including computer program products for controlling an unmanned vehicle. A user controls one or more unmanned vehicles with a smart phone. The smart phone receives video stream from the unmanned vehicles, and the smart phone displays the controls from the unmanned vehicle over the video. The smart phone and the unmanned vehicle communicate wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitre Corporation
    Inventors: Peter David Chen, Dennis Bushmitch
  • Patent number: 8726543
    Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Andrew W Kelly
  • Patent number: 8683720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Ault, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 8635792
    Abstract: A cycle counter for a wheeled tractor scraper is disclosed. The cycle counter may have an ejector configured to push material from a bowl of the wheeled tractor scraper, a sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a position of the ejector, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the pressure signal, and to record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if a value of the pressure signal exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ramona D. Cone, Keith R. Kosowski, Eric N. Polston, Ryan A. Kingdon, Donna K. Laube, Ashok Krishnan, Steven R. Krause, Brian A. Byers
  • Patent number: 8639429
    Abstract: A tractive force control part of a wheel loader reduces the maximum tractive force when determination conditions are satisfied during tractive force control. The determination conditions include that the work phase is excavation, that the working implement is in the raising hydraulic stall condition and that drive circuit pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Patent number: 8527158
    Abstract: A control system and method operate to store target signals indicative of end of travel positions of components of a machine. The positions and velocities of the components of a machine are determined at least in part based upon signals received from sensors and command signals are generated to control movement of the components based upon input from an operator, proximate to the end of travel positions and the velocities of the components. Command signals are transmitted to control movement of the components. Multiple end of travel positions may also be defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Lyle Post
  • Patent number: 8478493
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, an operating environment around the vehicle is identified and sensor data is selected from a set of sensors. A dynamic condition is identified using a plurality of different types of sensors on the vehicle. In response to the dynamic condition being identified, the movement of the vehicle is controlled. In another illustrative embodiment, an environment around the vehicle is identified to form an operating environment. Sensor data is selected from a set of sensors in a plurality of redundant sensors based on the operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8437925
    Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jin Seop Kim, Chang Soo Lee, In Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8402679
    Abstract: A self propelled snow remover machine with a computer control panel a camera, a funnel design snow brush. The computer control panel controls the snow remover machine through a downloaded application with cloud technology and is access through many different electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Sylvester Campbell
  • Patent number: 8401746
    Abstract: A system for use with an excavator of the type having a chassis, bucket support elements including a boom extending from the chassis and a dipper stick pivotally mounted on the end of the boom, and an excavator bucket pivotally mounted on the end of the dipper stick, determines the position of the excavator bucket during operation of the excavator at a worksite. The system includes a plurality of fixed ranging radios that are positioned at known locations at the worksite. A pair of ranging radios is mounted on the chassis of the excavator. A third ranging radio is mounted on one of the bucket support elements. A measurement circuit is responsive to the pair of ranging radios and to the third ranging radio, and determines the position and orientation of the excavator chassis, the bucket support elements, and the bucket with respect to the plurality of fixed ranging radios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 8386133
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark Peter Sahlin, Jason Meredith, Jerry Anthony Samuelson, David August Johnson, Eric Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 8327562
    Abstract: A hydraulic system with thermal shock protection. The hydraulic system can include a controller that limits when hot hydraulic fluids may be directed to cold hydraulic components. The hydraulic system can be used in machines such as trenchers to protect hydraulic components such as hydraulic motors from failure due to thermal shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ty Hartwick, Jason Morgan
  • Patent number: 8306704
    Abstract: This engine control device of a self-propelled working vehicle is an engine control device of a self-propelled working vehicle that includes a working machine hydraulic pump for driving a working machine, and includes a vehicle velocity detection section configured and arranged to detect a vehicle velocity and a traction force control section. The traction force control section is configured to reduce the traction force by limiting the maximum throttle amount when the vehicle velocity is less than or equal to predetermined velocity based on the result detected by the vehicle velocity detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8275524
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, an implement control system that includes a controller operatively connected to an implement. The controller is adapted to receive a signal from an input device indicative of a desired implement movement by an operator and to receive an automatically generated signal indicative of an automatically determined implement movement. The controller is further adapted to determine whether to move the implement based on the input device signal or the automatically generated signal. The controller is adapted to generate a control signal to move the implement based on the input device signal when a portion of the implement is above a desired cutting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Krause, Eric J. Dishman, Wayne A. Lamb, Erik J. Eddington
  • Patent number: 8229631
    Abstract: A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating machine is disclosed. The method includes determining at least one cycle characteristic for an operating cycle of the excavating machine. The method also includes measuring payload accumulated by the machine during a loading phase of an operating cycle of the excavating machine. The method further includes controlling payload accumulated by the machine based on at least one of the at least one determined cycle characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Morey, Timothy A. Vik, Quentin D. Burt
  • Patent number: 8195367
    Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit. The system includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jin Seop Kim, Chang Soo Lee, In Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8160783
    Abstract: A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Gordon Shull
  • Patent number: 8145392
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic leveling of heavy equipment. The system, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for sensing twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment. A control unit receives the twist angles and the traveling speed, sets a limit of an operation time for the automatic leveling in a standstill state of the equipment while calculating a corrected angle to which a twist angle of the upper frame is to be corrected, without setting the limit of the operation time for the automatic leveling, in a traveling state of the equipment, and generates a control signal for instructing an operation of a tilting unit in accordance with the corrected angle. A driving unit performs a tilting control through the tilting unit in accordance with the received control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holdings Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jin Seop Kim, Chang Soo Lee, In Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8132345
    Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in an auto-control mode, and adapted to override the auto-control mode in response to predetermined behavior of the operator input device (28). An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Boris Trifunovic
  • Patent number: 8095281
    Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system is disclosed. The method includes holding an implement configuration in an orientation. The method also includes sensing a pressure within a chamber of a hydraulic actuator associated with the implement configuration when the implement configuration is in the orientation and comparing a first signal indicative of the first sensed pressure with a first pressure value. The method further includes selecting a first functional relationship from among a plurality of stored functional relationships if the first signal is greater than the first pressure value and selecting a second functional relationship from among the plurality of stored functional relationships if the first signal is less than the first pressure value. The method includes controlling the hydraulic actuator based on the selected functional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randal Neil Peterson, Mike T. Verkuilen
  • Patent number: 8036797
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David August Johnson, Mark Peter Sahlin, Eric Richard Anderson, Mark John Cherney
  • Patent number: 8024095
    Abstract: A control system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation work cycle, at least one sensor configured to monitor a speed of the work tool and generate a signal indicative of the monitored speed, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to record the monitored speed of the work tool during each excavation work cycle, and compare the signal currently being generated to a maximum speed recorded for a previous excavation work cycle. The controller may be further configured to partition a current excavation work cycle into a plurality of segments based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King, Vijayakumar Janardhan, Shoji Tozawa, Srinivas Kowta, Parmesh Venkateswaran
  • Publication number: 20110153167
    Abstract: A system for use with an excavator of the type having a chassis, bucket support elements including a boom extending from the chassis and a dipper stick pivotally mounted on the end of the boom, and an excavator bucket pivotally mounted on the end of the dipper stick, determines the position of the excavator bucket during operation of the excavator at a worksite. The system includes a plurality of fixed ranging radios that are positioned at known locations at the worksite. A pair of ranging radios is mounted on the chassis of the excavator. A third ranging radio is mounted on one of the bucket support elements. A measurement circuit is responsive to the pair of ranging radios and to the third ranging radio, and determines the position and orientation of the excavator chassis, the bucket support elements, and the bucket with respect to the plurality of fixed ranging radios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 7949449
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Koch, Hiren R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7934329
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King
  • Patent number: 7904224
    Abstract: A control-mode switching device includes: a plurality of actuators (2, 6, 7) that conduct different movement; driving means (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) that drive the actuators; a plurality of control levers (22a-22c) that command operation of the driving means; a plurality of limit switches (72a-72e) that detect arrival of the control levers to the proximity of an end of a control range; a mode judging means (controller 23) that judges whether a priority operation mode is taken or not in accordance with a combination of on/off conditions of the limit switches; and a drive controlling means (controller 23) that, when it is judged by the mode judging means that the priority operation mode is taken, controls the driving means so that an output of selected one or more of the driving means becomes larger than that in a normal mode or the power ratio as compared with the other driving means becomes larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Kanayama, Koutarou Sasano, Koichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7869923
    Abstract: In an excavator equipped with an offset boom, an offset command value generating device of a rotation control device offsets a second boom arranged on a distal end side in a rotation direction relative to a first boom arranged on a proximal end side when an acceleration start judging device judges that a rotation operation is started, and offsets the second boom in a reverse rotation direction when a deceleration start judging device judges that a rotation deceleration operation is started. Accordingly, when a rotation acceleration is performed using a reaction force generated in the offset, clearances between members of a work machine can be contracted in advance in the rotation direction, while when the rotation deceleration operation is performed, these clearances can be contracted in advance in the rotation reverse direction, thereby reducing an impact in the acceleration and deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7853384
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David August Johnson, Mark Peter Sahlin, Eric Richard Anderson, Mark John Cherney
  • Patent number: 7831364
    Abstract: “Off-board” operating control for a power machine or vehicle is described. The “off-board” operating control includes a receiver unit that is configured to receive operating commands transmitted from an “off-board” control unit. The receiver sends commands from the “off-board” control unit to a control component through a controller area network “on-board” the power machine or vehicle. In illustrated embodiments, the receiver unit is coupled to the controller area network through a connector, which plugs into an “off-board” controls module of the controller area network for plug and play operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Brady J. Bertsch, Scott R. Rossow, Shawn R. Vasichek