Abstract: A control system for a tool coupling of the type that attaches a tool to an excavator dipper stick and provides for rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis, and further provides for tilting of the tool, includes a rotation sensor and a tilt sensor. The rotation sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis. The tilt sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of tilt of the tool with respect to gravity. A control is responsive to the rotation sensor and to the tilt sensor for determining the orientation of the tool.

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: 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 hydraulic control system for a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The hydraulic control system has a fluid actuator configured to move the work implement. The control system also has an operator interface device configured to generate at least one signal in response to a movement of the operator interface device. The control system further has a valve assembly for controllably providing hydraulic fluid flow to the fluid actuator to affect movement of the fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system has a controller configured to communicate with the valve assembly and the operator interface device. The controller is also configured to receive a signal, determine a velocity input associated with the movement of the operator interface device based on the received signal, and determine a desired fluid actuator velocity based on the determined velocity input.

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: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the safety of a bending pole (22) in a large manipulator, whereby the arms (23-27) of the mast can be pivoted in relation to each other by means of a drive unit (34-38). The relative position of the arms of the mast in relation to the respective adjacent arm of the mast or frame of the mast (21) is measured for adjusting the position thereof. According to the invention, the positing measuring values (?I) of the arms of the mast are used in order to control the safety of the drive units (34-38) or the actuators thereof (80-84) in relation to a variation of predefined safety values.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the repositioning of an excavating machine, including an excavating assemblage, from one set-up position to a next, subsequent set-up position. A joystick is controlled in implement control mode to operate at least one of a boom, a stick, and a bucket of the excavating assemblage during a first excavating phase from a first machine set-up position. The first excavating phase is terminated and, during a machine repositioning phase, the machine is moved to a second machine set-up position for a second excavating phase at the second machine set-up position. After terminating the first excavating phase and before moving the machine to the second machine set-up position, an input/display device is accessed and activated to convert the joystick from implement control mode to machine control mode. At least machine steering and machine propulsion are controlled with the joystick set in the machine control mode during the machine repositioning phase.

Abstract: A construction machine according to the present invention includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump (11, 12) driven by a prime mover (10), a single traveling actuator (5) driven with pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (11), a plurality of work actuators (2a, 4d to 4f) driven with the pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (11, 12), a plurality of control valves (13 to 17) that control flows of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11) to each of the traveling actuator (5) and the plurality of work actuators (2a, 4d to 4f), a detection means (24) for detecting a drive command for the traveling actuator (5), and a flow rate control means (11a, 30, 40, 43) for increasing a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic pump (11) when the drive command for the traveling actuator (5) is detected with the detection means (24).

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: An automatic loading control system for loading a work implement of a work machine with material from a pile may include a lift sensor configured to monitor a lift actuator and communicate a lift signal. The system may also include a tilt sensor configured to monitor a tilt actuator and communicate a tilt signal. A speed sensor may be configured to communicate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the work machine. A control module may be configured to receive the lift signal, the tilt signal, and the speed signal and generate a signal to control a rim-pull based on at least one of a lift velocity of the lift actuator, a tilt velocity of the tilt actuator, and a work machine velocity to facilitate movement of the work implement through the pile.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a work machine having at least one work tool. The method includes sensing at least one operational characteristic of the work machine indicative of an application of the work tool. The operation of the work machine is altered in response to a new application of the work tool.

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: A control system for a machine operating at a excavation site is disclosed. The control system may have a positioning device configured to determine a position of the machine, and a controller in communication with the positioning device. The controller may be configured to receive information regarding a predetermined task for the machine, receive the machine's position, and receive a location of an obstacle at the excavation site. The control system may also be configured to recommend placement of the machine to accomplish the predetermined task based on the received machine position and obstacle location.

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: To permit smooth performance of both of an operation requiring a high pressure and an operation desired to produce a pressure at a suppressed level, a shuttle block positioned between pilot operating units and flow control valves and pump regulators is arranged in association with shuttle valves, which select maximum pressures of groups of operation signal pressures produced by the pilot operating units, respectively, and at least one of the plural groups of operation signals, and is constructed to include hydraulic selector valves and a boom-lowering, hydraulic selector valve that are operable in particular ways.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a loader of a construction apparatus such as front-end wheel loader or an agricultural tractor. Specifically, the present invention is related to a control system for a loader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control system for building machinery, particularly for controlling hydraulic consumers of an excavator. According to the invention, pump channels which ensure that the hydraulic consumers are supplied in parallel by means of a spool valve of the main control unit of the piece of building machinery are provided in addition to previously existing pump channels that ensure said hydraulic consumers are serially supplied with hydraulic fluid. The additional pump channels are arranged parallel to the previously existing ones.

Abstract: A work machine is provided having a starter motor for starting a prime mover, which without provision of any special hydraulic equipment, allows for draining pressure oil that still remains in a hydraulic actuator for driving a front attachment. The work machine is provided with a boom cylinder for driving a front attachment, a flow rate control valve for controlling a flow of pressure oil to be supplied to the boom cylinder, and a pilot valve for producing an output of a pilot control signal, which serves to switch the flow rate control valve, by using, as a primary pressure, pressure oil delivered from a pilot hydraulic pump driven by an engine. A fuel stop switch is provided for performing stop control on a supply of fuel, which drives the engine, and a switch is provided for maintaining drivable a starter motor, which starts the engine, responsive to the stop control of the supply of fuel to the engine by the fuel stop switch.

Abstract: The invention provides a working unit control apparatus of an excavating and loading machine which can always judge a start of an excavation control at a proper timing. The working unit control apparatus has excavating state detecting means (43, 44) detecting an excavating state of a vehicle, and a controller (25) has a load judging portion (48) judging on the basis of a detecting amount, and automatic excavation control means (51) setting and outputting an automatic excavation command value to each of control valves on the basis of the judgement of said load judging portion, and an automatic excavation control is started when a boom lever is operated and it is judged that a vehicle is under excavation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling travel of construction heavy equipment with electronic joysticks. The method includes the steps of; inputting a joystick travel function selection signal, first manipulation signals of the joysticks and second manipulation signals of acceleration pedals into a controller; determining whether a joystick travel function is selected or released; when the joystick travel function is selected, performing long-distance travel; and when the joystick travel function is released, performing a work. The working unit such as the boom and the arm and the traveling unit can be selectively driven by using the electronic joystick. Thus, the driver can control the travel of the construction heavy equipment in a comfort sitting posture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a satellite positioning system wherein the receive elements satellite positioning system receive antennas are maintained in an orientation with respect to the positioning system satellites in a way such that the strongest signals can be received from the greatest number of satellites. According to one embodiment, a housing of a positioning antenna is mounted in a gimbaled fashion onto a vehicle, such as an excavator. Such a gimbaled antenna maintains a horizontal orientation relative to a predetermined axis and, as a result, remains in a position to receive signals from positioning system satellites even during instances of high angular deflection of the antenna support, such as may occur during earth-moving operations.

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.

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 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: A work vehicle with a tool pivotally attached to a linkage, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and a tilt angle sensor for sensing the absolute angle of the work tool relative to the earth. A controller is adapted to perform an auto-hold function for the tool, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the work tool at about the initial or set absolute angle of the tool. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: A system for controlling the hydraulically actuated components, including snow-ice control components carried by a truck. The system employs a hermetically secure composite housing mounted externally of the truck cab on the truck frame which retains a unique hydraulic reservoir in combination with a manifold supporting a plurality of solenoid actuated hydraulic valves and an associated electronic drive circuitry including a slave controller having a bidirectional data transmission port. That port communicates through a single bidirectional transmission bus with a master controller retained within an operator interface control console mounted in the truck cab. That control console also will contain a slave interface controller, as well as a slave datalog and communications controller.

Abstract: A dozer blade control system controls the position of a bulldozer blade, maintaining the blade at a constant position as the dozer travels through a worksite. The control system monitors the angle of the dozer blade with respect to the earth and when it senses that the dozer blade is tilting, it corrects the dozer blade's position by extending or retracting hydraulic cylinders that couple the dozer blade to the chassis of the crawler-tractor. When the dozer chassis pitches forwards, the blade begins to tilt forward and to drop closer to the ground. The control system senses this forward rotation of the blade and retracts the hydraulic cylinders that couple the blade to the chassis, causing the blade to return to and maintain its original position.

Abstract: A machine has a boom, that is pivotally raised and lowered by a first cylinder, and has a load carrier that is pivoted at the end of the boom by a second cylinder. As a machine operator commands movement of the boom, the position of the load carrier is automatically altered by a controller to prevent a load from falling off the load carrier. The load carrier position with respect to the boom is altered in response to the amount of boom motion to maintain a constant position relationship between the load carrier and a chassis of the machine. Although the boom and load carrier move through different angular positions, the machine control is expressed in terms of the linear motion of the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: An earthmoving vehicle has an operating arm that is raised and lowered by a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a drain line and at least one actuator connected to the operating arm. The actuator defines a variable-volume chamber connectable to the drain line to lower the operating arm. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the chamber flows through a proportional safety valve adjacent to the actuator and a distributor valve that is driven by a pilot control valve to allow free flow to the drain line. Thus, the lowering of the operating arm is controlled solely by the proportional safety valve.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a work tool of a work machine is provided. A desired surface configuration for a geographic location is identified. A mode of operation for the work machine is selected from one of a first mode and a second mode depending on surface configurations. The position of a work tool mounted on the work machine is sensed and the rotational angle of a swing assembly mounting the work tool is sensed. The location of the work tool is determined relative to the surface configuration based on the sensed position of the work tool when the work machine is operating in the first mode. The location of the work tool is determined relative to the desired surface configuration based on the sensed position of the work tool and the sensed rotational angle of the swing assembly when operating in the second mode.

Abstract: Maximum charging power of a battery (63) is set by a battery-charging power setting unit (75), while maximum discharging power of the battery (63) is set by a battery-discharging power setting unit (76). Lower and upper limit of generator output power is set by a generator output power setting unit (77). A generator/battery power distribution determining unit (81) distributes power between the battery (63) and the generator (62) using the set values above.

Abstract: A method of modulating a boom assembly to perform in a linear manner. The boom assembly includes a boom and a stick. The method comprising the steps of sending at least one lever signal to a control device indicative of operator desired direction and desired velocity of the boom and the stick, calibrating the lever signals to provide a boom command signal and a stick command signal, applying an algorithm-to-the boom command signal and the stick command signal, which the algorithm uses command signal mapping, and providing a modulating factor to the control device as a result of the algorithm.

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 hydraulic circuit of a excavating-and-slewing working vehicle, comprising: actuators for a boom, a bucket, slewing and an arm; directional control valves for the respective actuators; a pair of first and second hydraulic pumps for supplying pressure oil to the actuators through the respective directional control valves; a delivery oil passage of the first hydraulic pump tandem-connecting the boom directional control valve for boom to the bucket directional control valve for bucket on the downstream side of the boom directional control valve; a delivery oil passage of the second hydraulic pump tandem-connecting the slewing directional control valve for slewing to the arm directional control valve for arm.

Abstract: A control system, or process for the automatic control of a moveable bucket wheel device for the reducing of a stockpile and/or for the piling up of bulk goods, whereby the bucket wheel device has a least one bucket wheel for the takeup of bulk goods, at least one measurement device for the measurement of the stockpile and the bucket wheel device is automatically moved to the desired removal and/or piling up position in dependence of the measured and/or processed measurement data. Natural slide processes on the stockpile can be determined in that the control system and the measurement device are constructed or realized in such a way that a continual capture of the actual stockpile shape is guaranteed independent of the operation of the bucket wheel shovel namely an actual change of the stockpile shape can be captured at least in a certain vicinity of the bucket wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position for work devices (41) of mobile machines (40). The inventive device comprises a measuring device (1,2) for measuring an angle (?) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device also comprises an angle transmitter (5) for predetermining an angle (??) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device further comprises a controller (3, 4, 6–16) for controlling the angle (?) between the level (42) of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g) in such a way that the measured angle (?) matches the predetermined angle (??).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mechanical arm comprises planning a desired path of a mechanical arm. An actual path segment of the mechanical arm is measured. An error is determined between the measured actual path segment and the planned desired path. A corrective force is applied to the mechanical arm based on the determined error to conform to the desired path.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably positioning a work implement of an earth moving machine is disclosed. The work implement includes a boom and an attachment being attached thereto where the boom is actuated by a hydraulic lift cylinder and the attachment is actuated by a hydraulic tilt cylinder. Implement position sensors sense the elevational position of the boom and the pivotal position of the attachment and responsively produce respective implement position signals. A controller that receives the implement position signals, compares the relative position of the boom and the attachment with a pre-determined boundary condition, and produces an electrical valve signal. A valve assembly receives the electrical valve signal and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the respective hydraulic cylinders in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.

Abstract: A control system for determining a position of an implement arm having a work implement is disclosed. The implement arm includes mating components connected by at least one joint. The control system includes at least one position sensor operably associated with the implement arm and configured to sense positional aspects of the implement arm. It also includes at least one load sensor operably associated with the implement arm, and configured to sense the direction of loads applied to the at least one joint. A controller is adapted to calculate a position of the implement arm based on signals received from the at least one position and load sensor. The calculated position takes into account shifting of the implement arm caused by clearances existing at the at least one joint between the mating components of the implement arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit of an excavating and slewing working vehicle of two pump system, wherein a directional control valve for slewing and a directional control valve for arm are tandem-connected to the upstream side and downstream side of the delivery oil passage of a second hydraulic pump, respectively, a directional control valve for bucket are connected to the delivery oil passage of a first hydraulic pump, and then a bleed switching valve connected, through a check valve between the directional control valve for slewing and the directional control valve for arm and switched to connect to or disconnect from a tank on the upstream side of the check valve and the directional control valve for slewing are operated interlockingly with each other.

Abstract: A backhoe (100) has a hydraulic cylinder (316, 317) with a piston (318, 319) that rotates a rotatable boom (108). A lockable slider block (322) slides on the piston. Movement of the lockable slider block in one direction is caused by a spring (328, 329) mounted around the piston, and in another direction is caused by the telescoping of the piston into the hydraulic cylinder. The backhoe includes a hydraulic valve (340) that controls hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder and a sensor (320) coupled to the hydraulic valve. Once locked to a position on the piston, the lockable slider block engages the sensor on each occasion the rotatable boom rotates beyond a preselected angle of rotation. Engagement of the sensor causes actuation of the hydraulic valve, thereby preventing further rotation of the boom by the hydraulic cylinder. Alternative embodiments have an encoder (120, 130) that digitizes the position of the boom, and a microcomputer (410) that is programmed to actuate the hydraulic valve.

Abstract: A backhoe (100) has a hydraulic cylinder (316, 317) with a piston (318, 319) that rotates a rotatable boom (108). A lockable slider block (322) slides on the piston. Movement of the lockable slider block in one direction is caused by a spring (328, 329) mounted around the piston, and in another direction is caused by the telescoping of the piston into the hydraulic cylinder. The backhoe includes a hydraulic valve (340) that controls hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder and a sensor (320) coupled to the hydraulic valve. Once locked to a position on the piston, the lockable slider block engages the sensor on each occasion the rotatable boom rotates beyond a preselected angle of rotation. Engagement of the sensor causes actuation of the hydraulic valve, thereby preventing further rotation of the boom by the hydraulic cylinder. Alternative embodiments have an encoder (120, 130) that digitizes the position of the boom, and a microcomputer (410) that is programmed to actuate the hydraulic valve.

Abstract: First and second hydraulic pumps each adapted to operate plural actuators are activated by separate electric motors respectively. In accordance with signals provided from a controller on the basis of operations of levers, the number of revolutions of the electric motor and that of the electric motor are controlled each independently and simultaneously to control the discharge rates of both hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine having a hydraulic actuator is provided. An input device generates a movement signal to control the movement of the hydraulic actuator. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a magnitude of a force exerted by the hydraulic actuator. A first controller controls the motion of the hydraulic actuator and has a first receiver that receives the movement signal and a first transmitter that transmits a force signal including an indication of the force exerted by the hydraulic actuator. A second controller is operatively connected to the input device and has a second transmitter that transmits the movement signal and a second receiver that receives the force signal. A force generator exerts a feedback force on the input device. The magnitude of the feedback force is related to the magnitude of the force.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a boom cylinder in a work machine, which, when controlling supply and discharge of pressurized oil with respect to a boom cylinder, improves fuel efficiency, work efficiency in combined operations, and improves work efficiency and operationality in the work of difficult boom operations, such as debris raking-up work and bumping work, wherein the hydraulic control circuit of a boom cylinder is provided with a change valve to hold a first boom control valve at a neutral position, a communication line for causing a head side oil chamber and a rod side oil chamber to communicate with each other, an opening valve for opening and closing the corresponding communication line, and pilot operating check valve that is changed to an unidirectional state where, although an oil flow from the head side oil chamber to the rod side oil chamber is permitted, a reverse flow is hindered, and to a bi-directional state where oil flows in both directions, and further a second boom control valve is p

Abstract: Hybrid powered construction equipment is capable of making effective use of the output energy of an engine; increasing operating speed while keeping noise level low, and assuring operation power more than the performance of the engine. To this end, the hybrid powered construction equipment has a hydraulic pump powered by the engine; hydraulic actuators activated by discharge oil from the hydraulic pump; a motor-generator working in conjunction with the engine; and a battery for storing electric power generated by the electric motor-generator, the construction equipment further comprising a power-up switch disposed in an operating lever or operation panel and a controller which inputs a signal released from the power-up switch, wherein the controller constantly controls the revolution speed of the engine in response to a signal from the power-up switch and controls the output torque of the electric motor-generator such that torque for assisting powering of the hydraulic pump is output.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit of a boom cylinder for a work machine, which, when controlling the supply and discharge of pressurized oil with respect to a boom cylinder, improves fuel efficiency, work efficiency in combined operations, and work efficiency and operationality in work of difficult boom operations, such as debris raking-up work and bumping work, etc. The hydraulic control circuit of a boom cylinder is provided with a first change valve for holding the boom control valve in the neutral position, a communication line for causing the head side oil chamber and the rod side oil chamber to communicate with each other, an opening and closing valve for opening and closing the communication line, and a pilot operation check valve that is changed to an unidirectional state where, although an oil flow from the head side oil chamber to the rod side oil chamber is permitted, a reverse flow is hindered, and a bi-directional state is permitted where the oil flows in both directions.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of a mechanical linkage is disclosed. An estimated position of a mechanical linkage is set to an initial position. The movement of the mechanical linkage is controlled based on a signal from an input device. The estimated position of the mechanical linkage is updated based upon the movement of the mechanical linkage. A determination is made when the estimated position of the mechanical linkage substantially corresponds to an actual position of the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A snow plowing system utilizing a wireless radio remote control to control a snow plow mounted to the front of a vehicle. The plowing system comprises a snow plow blade, mounting mechanism connected to the vehicle for mounting the snow plow blade to the vehicle, the snow plow blade being connected to the mounting mechanism, a transmitter for transmitting a signal through a receiver to actuate, a mechanism for controlling the snow plow blade, and the receiver being connected to the mechanism for controlling the snow plow blade.