Shovel Or Fork Type Patents (Class 414/685)
  • Patent number: 11879234
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a work implement including a boom attached to the vehicle body and an attachment attached to a tip end part of the boom, a first actuator configured to rotate the boom up and down, and a controller configured to execute an automatic lowering control in order to automatically rotate and lower the boom. The controller is further configured to set the first actuator to a floating state when it is detected that the attachment has reached a predetermined position during an execution of the automatic lowering control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takahisa Oasa, Kiyotaka Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 11851035
    Abstract: A vehicle including a body and an aerial device operable to rotate, extend, and retract relative to the body. The vehicle further includes a control panel, an electronic display, a computer control system, and an aerial elevation sensor that senses an elevation of the aerial device, wherein the computer control system receives a piece of data corresponding with the elevation and generates a graphical representation of the current operating ability of the aerial device based on the elevation that is displayed on the electronic display of the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Spartan Fire, LLC
    Inventor: James Roger Lackore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11834812
    Abstract: A work machine includes a main body, a boom to drive with respect to the main body, a work tool connecting to the boom, the work tool to drive with respect to the boom, an actuator connecting to the main body and the work tool, the actuator to drive the work tool, and a sub-link to transmit drive of the actuator to the work tool. A method for calibrating the work machine includes outputting a detection value to detect an angle of the sub-link with respect to the boom in a predetermined posture of the boom and a work tool posture, converting the detection value as a measurement angle of the sub-link with respect to the boom based on a conversion value, and calibrating the conversion value based on a relationship between the measurement angle and an actual angle in the work tool posture which is specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shota Yamawaki, Shogo Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 11732436
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines and related structures of lift arms, implement carriers, follower links, and driver links which improve manufacturability, reduce component failures, and improve power machine design and functionality. In some embodiments, lift arm structures include cast lower lift arm portions. The cast lower lift arm portions include contoured upper ends which are sleeved onto contoured lower ends of upper lift arm portions to control stress points and to reduce stresses on welds. The follower link structures can include follower links which are configured to be positioned at least partially outside of the lift arm structure to improve rear visibility. The driver link structures can be configured to be laterally overlapping with innermost surfaces on the lift cylinder, but configured such that as the lift arm is raised the laterally overlapping portions are moved above the innermost surfaces of the lift cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Branden Schiwal
  • Patent number: 11668068
    Abstract: A bucket for an underground loading machine includes an opened bucket front and a concaved bucket back. To provide abrasive wear resistance, the bucket includes a paddle plate joined to the bucket underside of the bucket floor. The paddle plate can have a trumpet-shape tapering from flared forward edge to a plate tail disposed toward the concaved bucket back. The bucket may be configured as a wedge bottomed bucket and include a plurality of spacer wedges disposed between and spacing apart the bucket underside and the paddle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Riley A. Albers
  • Patent number: 11624377
    Abstract: A single solenoid-controlled electro-hydraulic liftomatic system is provided. The single solenoid-controlled electro-hydraulic liftomatic system is developed for controlling electrically, automating a hydraulic mechanism used in three-point hitch systems of tractors lifted and lowered by a mechanically controlled hydraulic mechanism. The single solenoid-controlled electro-hydraulic liftomatic system includes an actuator, a hydraulic pump, a safety element, a tank line, a valve body, a hydraulic piston, at least one solenoid valve, a piston spring, a check valve, a time-delay relay, and a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: TURK TRAKTOR VE ZIRAAT MAKINELERI A.S.
    Inventors: Gul Erkal, Atakan Atasoy, Murat Melez
  • Patent number: 11447379
    Abstract: A controller for use with a machine includes a machine body, and a load handling apparatus coupled to the machine body and moveable by an actuator, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal representative of the orientation of the load handling apparatus with respect to a reference orientation and a signal representative of a moment of tilt of the machine, wherein the controller is further configured to issue a signal for use by an element of the machine including the movement actuator, which in response to the signal issued by the controller, is configured to restrict or substantially prevent a movement of the load handling apparatus when a value of the signal representative of the moment of tilt reaches a threshold value, the threshold value being dependent on the signal representative of the orientation of the load handling apparatus with respect to the reference orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Samuel Josef Bell
  • Patent number: 11434937
    Abstract: An excavator includes a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic oil discharged from a main pump to move a work element; a first control valve disposed in a center bypass pipeline; a second control valve disposed in a parallel pipeline; and a control device for controlling the movement of the second control valve. The first control valve and the second control valve are formed in a valve block of control valves, and the second control valve is disposed upstream of the first control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youji Misaki
  • Patent number: 11299870
    Abstract: A display system for an excavation machine includes a calculator configured to calculate, based on vehicle state data indicating a position and a posture of a vehicle body of an excavation machine, working equipment outer shape data indicating an outer shape and a dimension of working equipment supported by the vehicle body, and working equipment state data indicating a posture of the working equipment, a reference vector extending in a widthwise direction of a bucket of the working equipment and passing through a specified portion of the bucket, and a display controller configured to cause a display device to display the bucket and a target line viewed from a direction orthogonal to the reference vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Kumakura, Satoru Shintani, Daiki Arimatsu
  • Patent number: 11168464
    Abstract: An open center hydraulic system (100) includes a tank configured to hold hydraulic fluid, a pump configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid from the tank, and a shunt valve configured to adapt a first opening area between a first input port and a first output port of the shunt valve dependent on a first control signal. The first input port is coupled to the pump, and the first output port is coupled to the tank. A first actuator valve is coupled to the first input port and configured to adapt a second opening area of the first actuator valve dependent on a second control signal. A hydraulic valve control unit is configured to determine a first opening area value and a second opening area value based on user input data and a predetermined relation dependent on the user input data, sending the first control signal, indicative of the first opening area value and sending the second control signal indicative of the second opening area value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: NORDHYDRAULIC AB
    Inventor: Bertil Lundgren
  • Patent number: 10975550
    Abstract: In a vibration suppression control OFF state, a signal pressure supply control valve stops supplying a first signal pressure, a pressure-regulating valve is in first position where a supply/discharge port connects to a pump port, and an open/close signal pressure is not supplied to an open/close control valve, so an open/close valve is closed. When the OFF state switches to ON state, the signal pressure supply control valve allows supplying the first signal pressure, and the pressure-regulating valve is in second position where the supply/discharge port connects to a tank port, so the pressure of a pressure accumulator decreases. In the ON state, when the pressure of the pressure accumulator is equal to pressure of a pressure chamber, the pressure-regulating valve is in third position where the supply/discharge port is blocked, and the open/close signal pressure is supplied to the open/close control valve, so the open/close valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Ito, Syunichi Sakamoto, Takahiro Okazaki
  • Patent number: 10822768
    Abstract: A hybrid loader boom arm assembly for a loader work vehicle includes an arm assembly. The arm assembly includes a hollow first beam formed from a lightweight material and a block formed from a second lightweight material. The block has a first block end received within a first end of the first beam. The arm assembly includes at least one first steel reinforcing plate coupled to the first beam at the end, and at least one connecting plate coupled to the at least one first reinforcing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Hallale, Mohamad S. El-Zein, Hector Portillo, Israel Priego, Daniel Chapa, Nathan F. Tortorella
  • Patent number: 10808381
    Abstract: A hydraulic lifting mechanism suspension has a main valve in the activation position whereof at least one hydraulic accumulator is connected to a connection line of the lifting mechanism suspension acting in the lifting direction or to working line of the lifting mechanism suspension acting in the lifting direction. The lifting mechanism suspension is deactivated via a deactivation position of the main valve, while at the same time a connection for recharging or filling the hydraulic accumulator is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Goebel, Edwin Harnischfeger, Florian Herold, Rainer Biener, Wolfgang Hupp
  • Patent number: 10773590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work vehicle including an engine, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor to drive wheels, an HST circuit in which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are connected to each other in the form of a closed circuit, a reducing agent sensor that detects the state of a reducing agent used to clean exhaust gas from the engine, and an engine restrictor that restricts the rotational speed of the engine based on the output from the reducing agent sensor, and the work vehicle further includes a control unit that changes the tilting angle of the hydraulic pump or the hydraulic motor independently of the rotational speed of the engine to a tilting angle associated with minimum travel drive force necessary for self-travel of the work vehicle when the control unit determines that the engine restrictor has restricted the rotational speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nukii, Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10755484
    Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques are provided for capturing accurate information describing the location of subsurface features (e.g., subsurface utilities such as water pipes, sewer pipes, electrical conduits, etc.) usable in providing an augmented reality view. A set of images is captured with a camera rig coupled to a mobile portion (e.g., the boom) of a piece of heavy construction equipment (e.g., an excavator) being used by workers to conduct an excavation that exposes the subsurface features. The set of images is provided to a structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry that generates a 3D reality mesh. Relative and/or absolute locations of the subsurface features are calculated based on the 3D reality mesh and provided to an augmented reality application executing on an augmented reality device for use in providing an augmented reality view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Stéphane Côté
  • Patent number: 10662609
    Abstract: A hybrid loader boom arm assembly for a loader work vehicle includes an arm assembly that includes a first beam formed from a lightweight material and a second beam formed from the lightweight material. The loader boom arm includes a connection assembly having a first steel plate and a pair of knee plates formed from the lightweight material. A portion of the first steel plate is received within the first beam and a second portion of the first steel plate is received within the second beam. The pair of knee plates cooperate to define a first channel that receives the end of the first beam and a second channel that receives the second end of the second beam. The first steel plate and the pair of knee plates are configured for interconnecting the first beam with the second beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Hallale, Mohamad S. El-Zein, Hector Portillo, Israel Priego, Daniel Chapa, Sathish Kumar Sivaraman
  • Patent number: 10597846
    Abstract: A method of controlling a lift arm actuator and a tilt actuator to control positioning of an implement carrier coupled to a lift arm of a power machine. An activation signal is received from an enabling input device. A lift arm control signal is received from a lift arm control input commanding movement of the lift arm. The lift arm actuator is controlled responsive to receipt of both of the activation signal and the lift arm control signal to move the lift arm to a target lift arm position and to move the implement carrier to or maintain the implement carrier at a target implement carrier orientation relative to a gravitational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Compmany
    Inventors: Kevin J. Zent, Trevor W. Krause, Jonathan J. Roehrl, Marty Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10576944
    Abstract: A work vehicle equipped with: a straight-traveling system transmission path including a first stepless transmission device, a turning system transmission path including a second stepless transmission device, left and right traveling units that receive a driving force from an engine and move the work vehicle in forward and in reverse, and a brake operation tool that actuates a brake mechanism. The output of the straight-traveling system transmission path and the output of the turning system transmission path are combined to drive the traveling units. When the operation amount to the brake operation tool exceeds a first predetermined amount, a control section blocks the driving force output from the first stepless transmission device, and at the same time, sets a swash plate of the second stepless transmission device in a neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujiki, Keisuke Iwamura
  • Patent number: 10494236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a telescopic boom having a coupling section at whose lower shell at least one luffing cylinder mount, in particular a bolt mount, is centrally provided for fastening at least one luffing cylinder, wherein at least two closed sheet metal box structures for the load transmission from the luffing cylinder mount into the structure of the telescopic boom are provided at the support metal sheets of the luffing cylinder mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Brzoska, Mario Helbig
  • Patent number: 10443209
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, an engine connected to the frame and operable to move the vehicle, an operator cab, a tool, and a boom arm. The boom arm includes a first linkage, a second linkage and a cylinder. The first linkage has a first portion connected to the frame and a second portion spaced from the frame. The second linkage has a first portion connected to the second portion of the first linkage and a second portion connected to the tool, the second linkage movable during boom operation within a first plane. The cylinder has a first portion connected to the first linkage and a second portion connected to the second linkage, such that the first linkage and the cylinder are movable during boom operation within a second plane. The first plane is offset from the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nilesh T. Kumbhar, Travis A. Shekleton
  • Patent number: 10407878
    Abstract: A method for depositing a pile of material by a machine at a worksite. The method includes determining, by a controller, a volume of material transported by the machine. The method further includes determining, by the controller, at least one parameter associated with the pile to be formed by the determined volume based on a comparison of the determined volume with a threshold volume and operating the machine to deposit the determined volume to form the pile, on a working surface of the worksite, based on the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mo Wei
  • Patent number: 10378182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom for an earth-moving machine, in particular an excavator, with at least two bearing plates for supporting a cylinder unit, which at least for the most part extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the boom, wherein the bearing plates have an end-side curvature extending outwardly to the lateral edge of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Liebherr-France SAS
    Inventors: Guillaume Elbel, Thomas Münch, Pascal Fritsch
  • Patent number: 10364546
    Abstract: A distance obtaining unit obtains the distance between a work implement and a design terrain. A work aspect determining unit determines a work aspect by the work implement. A limit velocity deciding unit limits the velocity of the work implement when the distance between the work implement and the design terrain becomes smaller. When the work aspect is surface compaction work and the distance between the work implement and the design terrain is within a first range of at least a portion that is equal to or less than a predetermined first distance, the limit velocity deciding unit increases the limit velocity of the work implement in comparison to when the work aspect is an aspect of a work other than surface compaction, or cancels the limiting of the velocity of the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Shimano, Tomohiro Nakagawa, Masashi Ichihara, Jin Kitajima
  • Patent number: 10358794
    Abstract: A work vehicle, includes: a lift arm rotatably linked to a front portion of a vehicle body of a work vehicle so as to be allowed to swing along an up/down direction; an operation lever that can be operated within a range between a raising operation end position and a lowering operation end position, and is operated to raise and lower the lift arm; an up detent mechanism having a holding function for holding the operation lever at the raising operation end position once the operation lever is operated to the raising operation end position; and a down detent mechanism having a holding function for holding the operation lever at the lowering operation end position once the operation lever is operated to the lowering operation end position, wherein: when an angle of the lift arm becomes greater than a predetermined upper limit, the holding function of the up detent mechanism and the holding function of the down detent mechanism are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: KCM Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuji Tanaka, Yasunori Miyamoto, Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Katsuyuki Kirita, Hiroaki Yada, Seiji Nakagawa, Masaki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 10308157
    Abstract: A machine having a work implement includes a sensor connected to the work implement, the sensor providing a signal indicative of a change in acceleration of the work implement. A cycle controller associated with the sensor, the cycle controller disposed to receive the signal and operating to monitor the signal. The cycle controller is programmed and operates to analyze the signal to determine at least a presence and a duration of a change in acceleration of the work implement of the machine with respect to time, compile an actual time trace of the change in acceleration of the work implement, compare the actual time trace with a predefined time trace that represents a work cycle segment, and catalog presence and duration of a work cycle segment when the actual time trace is consistent with the predefined time trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley Bomer, Shane C. McBride, Eric Durand, Anders Thomsen
  • Patent number: 10161111
    Abstract: A display system of an excavation machine including a work machine having a bucket and a body portion on which the work machine is mounted. The display system includes a bucket position information generator which generates position information of the bucket; a storage which stores information of a dimension of the bucket and information of a target construction surface indicating a target shape of a construction object; a display which displays an image of the target construction surface on a screen; and a processor which displays a straight line image that is generated by extracting a part corresponding to a bottom surface of the bucket, viewed from a side surface, along with the image of the target construction surface on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Daishi Iwanaga, Takeshi Takaura, Daiki Arimatsu
  • Patent number: 10086682
    Abstract: A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open-top truck trailer, with a flexible tarp that rolls onto and unrolls from a roll bar as the roll bar rolls across the trailer. The roll bar is connected to the trailer by two telescoping arms which each have a lower portion that slides within an upper portion to telescope and adjust the length of the telescoping arms as the roll bar rolls across the trailer. The telescoping arms each have two bearings, which are on opposite sides of the telescoping arm and which are separated along the length of the telescoping arm, so that when forces are applied to the telescoping arm during use, the bearing surfaces aid in sliding the lower portion within the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Christopher D. Althoff, Shawn J. Wock
  • Patent number: 9938688
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine having a work tool. The excavation system may have a speed sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a travel speed of the mobile machine, and at least one load sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of loading of the work tool. The excavation system may also have a controller configured to record values of the first signal during travel of the mobile machine toward a material, and to detect engagement of the work tool with the material based on the second signal. After engagement of the work tool with the material is detected, the controller may be further configured to determine an edge location of the material passed through by the work tool based on values of the first signal recorded prior to engagement detection of the work tool with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Graham Fletcher, Daniel Aaron Jones, Ricky Kam Ho Chow, Ranishka De Silva Hewavisenthi
  • Patent number: 9719227
    Abstract: The coupler is mounted on the end of the boom of a boom-tractor, and provides secure locking-in of a bucket. The coupler having been set to its latched-open condition, the tractor is driven to the bucket so that the bottom-lug of the bucket enters the coupler, whereupon the bucket is picked up and is automatically securely locked into coupler, without and manipulation of the coupler being required of the tractor-driver other than manipulation of the boom. For setting the bucket down on the ground, after use, the driver manually pulls out a slider of the coupler. That action sets the coupler into its slider-held condition, whereby when the tractor is driven away from the bucket, the coupler is automatically left set in the said latched-open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: 1708828 ONTARIO LIMITED
    Inventors: Marvin Dale Martin, Ryan Frey
  • Patent number: 9499198
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes at least two wheels configured to be steered independently of each another. A steering setpoint generator is configured to steer the at least two wheels according to a steering program. An operating element is configured to rotate the vehicle during travel about a center of rotation which moves with a principal movement vector. The steering program is configured so that a direction of the principal movement vector of the center of rotation can be changed with the steering setpoint generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: HUBTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Achim Otterbein
  • Patent number: 9238902
    Abstract: A system for providing suspension to a cab of an excavation machine such as a trencher or a surface mining machine. The system includes air cushions and elastomeric dampeners positioned between a platform and the cab. The air cushions allow for a larger displacement than the elastomeric dampeners. The air cushions have a lower natural frequency than the elastomeric dampeners. The elastomeric dampeners stabilize and support the cab in various degrees of freedom that are not supported by the air cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Glenn Meinders, Guy Stephen Brock, David William Gift
  • Patent number: 9238899
    Abstract: When maintaining a ground pivot angle of the bucket constant irrespective of any vertical pivotal movement of the boom, a ground angle maintaining controlling section stops a bucket actuator when it is detected that a vertical pivot angle of the bucket has reached an elevation restricted angle which is set smaller by a set angle than an elevation limit angle of the bucket 15 or a lowering restricted angle which is set greater by a set angle than a lowering limit angle of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsumoto, Ryuichi Nadaoka, Masahiro Sugioka
  • Patent number: 9115581
    Abstract: Controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. The industrial machine includes a dipper, a crowd motor, and a hoist motor. The control includes determining a torque associated with the crowd motor and a torque associated with the hoist motor and determining a dig force vector for the dipper based on the torque associated with the crowd motor and the torque associated with the hoist motor. The dig force vector includes a dig force angle and a dig force magnitude. The method also includes determining a value for the dig force angle of the dig force vector, and controlling, using a processor, the dig force magnitude based on the determined value for the dig force angle. The dig force magnitude is controlled by controlling at least one of the torque associated with the crowd motor and the torque associated with the hoist motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Knuth, Wesley P. Taylor, Mooyoung Lee
  • Publication number: 20150147147
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle main body, a work implement, an engine, an idle reduction execution portion, and a position determination portion. The work implement is provided in the vehicle main body and includes a boom provided to be drivable in a vertical direction, an arm provided to be drivable with respect to the boom, and a bucket attached to a tip end of the arm. The idle reduction execution portion can stop the engine in an idling state. The position determination portion determines whether or not the bucket may interfere with the vehicle main body, based on a position state of rest of the work implement. When the position determination portion determines that the bucket may interfere with the vehicle main body, the idle reduction execution portion does not stop the engine, and when it is determined otherwise, the idle reduction execution portion stops the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kou Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9043098
    Abstract: An display system of an excavating machine includes: a vehicle condition detector detecting information related to a current position and a posture of the excavating machine having a work equipment including a bucket; a memory unit storing position information of a target surface indicating a target shape of an object to be worked; a display unit displaying the bucket and position information of a design surface and the target surface; and a processing unit calculating a position of a blade edge of the bucket based on the information related to the current position and the posture of the excavating machine, and, when at least part of the bucket enters a predetermined range in a periphery of the target surface in a direction orthogonal to the target surface, displaying a trajectory of the blade edge which is calculated based on the position of the blade edge and which exists in the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Azumi Nomura, Takahiro Hashimoto, Etsuo Fujita, Ryo Fukano
  • Publication number: 20150137574
    Abstract: A work-assist device includes a chest-support member configured to support a user's chest when the user is using the work-assist device. The work-assist device also includes a knee-support member configured to support the user's knees when the user is using the work-assist device. The knee-support member includes a pad having a curved lower surface and configured to cause the work-assist device to rock forward or backward in response to a weight shift by the user when the user is using the work-assist device. The work-assist device further includes an elongate frame member that includes a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the knee support member and the second end is attached to the chest support member. The work-assist device is configured to fully support the user in a forward-biased position when the user is using the work-assist device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Steven D. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150132094
    Abstract: A working machine includes: a first switch operable to set an operation amount; a second switch operable by being pressed; a control unit capable of detecting an operation of the first switch and an operation of the second switch, the control unit outputting a control signal based on the operation amount of the first switch and continuously outputting the control signal when the operation of the first switch is detected after detecting a release of the operation of the second switch under a state where the operation of the second switch is detected; an actuator configured to be activated by a hydraulic operation fluid; a solenoid valve capable of controlling, based on the control signal, a pilot pressure; and a control valve configured to supply, based on the pilot pressure, the hydraulic operation fluid to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro KURODA, Ryosuke KINUGAWA, Naohiro SAIJO
  • Patent number: 9026320
    Abstract: A traction force control section of a wheel loader, when the determination conditions are satisfied during traction force control, increases the maximum traction force. The determination conditions include that the wheel loader is performing an excavation operation, that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a prescribed speed threshold value, that the amount of operation of the accelerator operating member is equal to or more than a prescribed accelerator threshold value, and that the amount of operation of the inching operating member is less than or equal to a prescribed inching operation threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Publication number: 20150117998
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a front axle, a rear axle, a chassis, a cab pivotally coupled to the chassis, a boom movably mounted on the chassis, and a boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom. A rear suspension member raises and lowers the cab with respect to the rear axle. A front suspension member raises and lowers the chassis and the cab with respect to the front axle. An operator controlled command unit generates boom raise and lower signals. An electronic control unit (ECU) is connected to the front suspension member, the rear suspension member and the command unit. If vehicle speed is below a threshold speed, the ECU automatically operates the front and/or the rear suspension members to raise and lower the cab to improve visibility of the loader from the cab in response to the command unit operating the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: GRAHAM THOMPSON, CHRISTIAN VON HOLST
  • Patent number: 9020709
    Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit, hydraulic cylinders, a prospective speed obtaining part, a relative speed obtaining part, a speed limit selecting part and a hydraulic cylinder controlling part. The prospective speed obtaining part obtains first and second prospective speeds depending on first and second intervals between first and second monitoring points of the bucket and a designed surface, respectively. The relative speed obtaining part obtains first and second relative speeds of the first and second monitoring points relative to the designed surface, respectively. The speed limit selecting part selects one of the first and second prospective speeds as a speed limit based on relative relations between the first and second relative speeds and the first and second prospective speeds, respectively. The hydraulic cylinder controlling part limits a relative speed of one of the first and second monitoring points to the speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20150108258
    Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Sherliker Bamber, Darcy James Houlahan
  • Publication number: 20150098783
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a front work device, contains: a variable displacement hydraulic pump that is driven by an engine and supplies pressure oil to an actuator that drives the front work device; an exhaust gas purification device that purifies nitrogen oxide in exhaust gas discharged from the engine using a reducing agent solution stored in a reducing agent tank; a remaining amount detection device that detects a remaining amount of the reducing agent solution in the reducing agent tank; and a control unit that decreases output torque of the engine and also decreases a rotational speed of the engine in a rated point according to decrease of the remaining amount of the reducing agent solution detected by the remaining amount detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Koji HYODO, Takashi TAKEYAMA, Tetsuji TANAKA, Isamu AOKI, Katsutaka HARA, Tatsuo OOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150098784
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by an engine; a rotational speed detection unit that detects an actual rotational speed of the engine; an exhaust gas purification device that purifies nitrogen oxide in exhaust gas discharged from the engine using a reducing agent solution stored in a reducing agent tank; a torque control unit that decreases output torque of the engine according to decrease of a detected remaining amount of the reducing agent solution; and a storage device that stores a threshold value not less than an engine rotational speed at which the hydraulic pump starts discharge, wherein when the actual rotational speed of the engine is not more than the threshold value, the torque control unit does not decrease the output torque of the engine regardless of the remaining amount of the reducing agent solution detected by the remaining amount detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Koji HYODO, Atsushi SHIMAZU, Masashi YAMASHITA, Tetsuji TANAKA, Isamu AOKI, Shoroku KAWAHARA
  • Patent number: 8998256
    Abstract: A front loader (10) for a tractor with a parking stand unit (28) including a parking support (30) pivotably mounted on the front loader arm (12). A locking brace (32) is pivotably seated at one end on the parking support (30) and is movably guided at the other end by a guidance means (50) formed on the locking brace (32) and at least one guide groove (48, 49) formed in the parking support (30). The guidance means (50) can be brought by pivoting the parking support (30) into the parking position (P3) into a locking position in which it comes to rest at a stop (66) formed in the guide groove (48, 49). The guidance means (50) can be pressed against the stop (66) and fixed in the locking position by a support force of the front loader arm (12) acting in the parking position (P3) on the locking brace (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Damien Faivre
  • Publication number: 20150086314
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle, an engine, an exhaust treatment apparatus, a connecting pipe, a reducing agent injection apparatus, a reducing agent pump and a guiding pipe guiding reducing agent from the pump to the injection apparatus. The engine, exhaust treatment apparatus, connecting pipe, and reducing agent injection apparatus are arranged inside an engine room of the vehicle body. The engine has a crank shaft, and intake and exhaust manifolds arranged on first and second direction sides of the crank shaft, respectively. A first accommodating space is positioned on a first direction side of the engine room. A reducing agent pump is arranged inside the first accommodating space. A guiding pipe is arranged so as to pass inside the engine room on the first direction side with regard to the crank shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: KOMATSU Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozo Okuda, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8974171
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a pair of booms, a link mechanism and a control unit. The booms are attached to a front part of a vehicle body in an upwardly and downwardly rotatable state. The link mechanism couples a working unit to tips of the booms. The link mechanism is configured to keep the working unit in a posture generally parallel to the ground without rotating the working unit with respect to the ground while the booms are elevated from a position where the working unit is disposed on the ground when the working unit is a fork. The control unit is configured to execute a tilt angle adjusting control for the working unit in accordance with variation in an angle of the booms while the booms are elevated when a tilt angle of the working unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Masanori Ikari
  • Publication number: 20150063966
    Abstract: An oil storage tank includes a hydraulic oil tank configured to store hydraulic oil, a fuel oil tank configured to store fuel oil, a breather valve disposed on the hydraulic oil tank, and a breather hose connected to the breather valve. The hydraulic oil tank includes a first facing face facing the fuel oil tank. The fuel oil tank includes a second facing face facing the hydraulic oil tank. The second facing face has a fuel-oil-tank adjacent face and a fuel-oil-tank sloped face. The fuel-oil-tank adjacent face extends along the hydraulic oil tank. The fuel-oil-tank sloped face is connected to the fuel-oil-tank adjacent face and slopes relative to the fuel-oil-tank adjacent face so as to be away from the hydraulic oil tank. The breather hose is disposed along the fuel-oil-tank sloped face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Wataru NISHIYAMA, Ryouji SHIOTA, Jun YONEHARA
  • Publication number: 20150063967
    Abstract: A shovel includes a boom cylinder that drives a boom and an arm cylinder that drives an arm. A hydraulic pump supplies operating oil to the boom cylinder and the arm cylinder. An engine is connected to the hydraulic pump and equipped with a supercharger. The engine is controlled to maintain a revolution speed within a certain definite range. A controller controls a rotating speed of the supercharger. The controller performs a process of increasing the rotating speed of the supercharger so as to increase a supercharging pressure generated by the supercharger before a hydraulic load is applied to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kenji MORITA
  • Publication number: 20150066312
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a base body portion, a movable portion, a hydraulic cylinder, a position sensor, a rotary encoder, and a control unit. The rotary encoder includes a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit, and a disk unit having a plurality of transmission portions. The control unit measures the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder by correcting deviation of the stroke length, which is measured by the position sensor, based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder. In this way, there can be obtained a hydraulic excavator capable of precisely measuring a stroke length of a hydraulic cylinder driving a work implement, as well as a method for measuring the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic excavator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Sakuda, Satoru Shintani, Masato Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20150050110
    Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit having a bucket, a designed landform data storage part storing designed landform data, a bucket position data generation part that generates bucket position data, a designed surface data generation part, and an excavation limit control part. The designed surface data generation part generates superior and subordinate designed surface data based on the designed landform and bucket position data. The superior designed surface data indicates a superior designed surface corresponding to a position of the bucket. The subordinate designed surface data indicates a first subordinate designed surface linked to the superior designed surface. The designed surface data generation part generates shape data indicating shapes of the superior designed surface and the first subordinate designed surface. The excavation limit control part automatically adjusts a position of the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Toru MATSUYAMA, Yoshiki KAMI, Shin KASHIWABARA, Masashi ICHIHARA