Shovel Or Fork Type Patents (Class 414/685)
  • Publication number: 20150040442
    Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of its frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant Douglas Kukuk
  • Publication number: 20150044007
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device that reduces the loss of the power of a pump in combined operation of boom lowering and arm pushing. A controller performs single control of increasing capacity of a first pump in accordance with increase in an operation amount of a boom operation member, in a single operation of the boom lowering. On the other hand, the controller restricts the capacity of the first pump compared to capacity in the single control, during a restriction control period when the combined operation of boom lowering and arm pushing is detected, and the operation amount of the boom operation member is a prescribed operation amount or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Tajima, Koji Ueda
  • Patent number: 8935058
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and control the operation of the at least one valve using the estimated movable assembly speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 8930090
    Abstract: A construction machine includes: a working equipment; a manipulating unit that manipulates the working equipment; and a controller that controls the working equipment. The controller includes: a rolling compaction determining unit that determines whether or not the working equipment is under a rolling compaction operation for hardening earth and sand through reciprocation; and a command output regulating unit that controls the working equipment so that a motion speed of the working equipment does not exceed a predetermined maximum value when the rolling compaction determining unit determines that the working equipment is under the rolling compaction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Okamura, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 8924103
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further includes lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and calculate an updated pump volumetric efficiency using the estimated movable assembly speed and a determined movable assembly speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 8918204
    Abstract: A transport unit (1) is provided for workpieces (2), in particular sheet metal parts, between neighboring placement areas or machining devices (3, 4), in particular presses. The transport unit (1) includes a multi-axis robot (5) having a gripper tool (9). A controllable transfer unit (6) is also provided that is guided by the robot (5). The unit includes an advancement unit (7) and a pivot unit (8) for the gripper tool (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kuka Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Yong-Hak Cho, Thomas Holecek, Matthias Gastl, Sebastian Mocker, Thomas Henneke
  • Patent number: 8894346
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a motor associated with selectable movement of a frame by a first operator control. The frame structurally carries a cab structure and a manipulating structure associated with an implement for performing work. The manipulating structure is selectably movable by a second operator control located in the cab structure. All control functions associated with positioning the implement with respect to three different rotational axes are manipulable using the second operator control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Brady Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140308106
    Abstract: A void protection system for a mining shovel having an operator input device includes an independent metering valve assembly including one or more fluid source-cylinder valves for fluidly connecting the fluid source to the hydraulic cylinder. The system also includes a sensor assembly for monitoring the fluid pressure within the rod end and the head end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a control module. The control module is configured to monitor movement of the operator input device, monitor pressure within the hydraulic cylinder, increase the opening of the corresponding fluid source-cylinder valve and increase fluid flow from the fluid source to fill corresponding end of the hydraulic cylinder until pressure in the corresponding end of the hydraulic cylinder is above a first threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Bryan A. Johnson, Brett J. Janson, Brandon Z. Barnes, Rustu Cesur
  • Publication number: 20140305012
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first work tool connected at an end of a linkage arrangement, and a first interface device configured to receive input indicative of a desired movement of the first work tool and to generate a corresponding signal. The control system may also have a plurality of actuators operatively connected to the first work tool via the linkage arrangement, a plurality of valves associated with the plurality of actuators, and a controller in communication. The controller may be configured to determine a combination of the plurality of actuators that should be activated together to generate linkage movements that compound to produce the desired movement of the first work tool based on the signal, and to selectively command movement of a combination of the plurality of valves corresponding to the combination of the plurality of actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Michael O'DONNELL
  • Patent number: 8858151
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20140271073
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided including at least one work tool and an open-center hydraulic circuit that supplies hydraulic fluid to operate the at least one work tool. The hydraulic circuit includes a variable displacement pump and a controller in electrical communication with the pump, the controller receiving an electrical input from the work vehicle to control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Jason Lee Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140259804
    Abstract: Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle. An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor. The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive. The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles. The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame. The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, SR., Axel Schaedler
  • Patent number: 8821104
    Abstract: A loader work machine is disclosed in which a base portion of each of right/left arms (77) is received by an arm support portion (164) of a first lift link (81) and pivotally supported by a first arm shaft (88), and a hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) connected to a hydraulic actuator (98) extend through an support frame (11) from inside to outside of its inner wall (12), and toward an arm (77). The base portion of the arm (77) is supported to the arm support portion (164) at a position adjacent a link outer wall (157) in a transverse direction so that a hose accommodation space (165) is formed between a link inner wall (156) and an internal side face of the base portion of the arm (77). The hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) runs frontward of the first arm shaft (88) and a first link shaft (85), and is disposed in the hose accommodation space (165).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasuda, Masanori Fujino, Toshihiko Takemura, Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Yoshihiro Ueda, Yuuki Takano, Yusuke Kawai, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Hiroyuki Anami, Naoya Muramoto, Kenji Mitsui, Youhei Kawano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Patent number: 8825315
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8812197
    Abstract: A hybrid wheel loader includes: an engine that includes an output shaft; a motor/generator that includes a rotating shaft directly attached to the output shaft of the engine; a transmission that includes an input shaft attached to the rotating shaft of the motor/generator, and an output shaft; a propeller shaft disposed on an output side of the transmission and driven via the output shaft of the transmission; an electricity storage device; and a control device that stores electricity into the electricity storage device by collecting electrical energy at the motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noritaka Itou, Satoru Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20140227071
    Abstract: An industrial machine includes a frame having a base and a boom, an arm movably coupled to the boom, an attachment, a conduit, a first member, and a second member. The boom has a first end coupled to the base and a second end opposite the first end. The arm includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is coupled to the first end of the arm. The conduit extends from the frame to the arm. The first member is pivotably coupled to the frame and supports a first portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom. The second member is pivotably coupled between the first member and the arm, and supports a second portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas Maki, Ethan Pedretti, Anab Akanda, Jason Gaska, Christopher Jones, Matthew Loew, Andrew P. Dretzka
  • Patent number: 8800704
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
  • Publication number: 20140219761
    Abstract: A transmission for a wheel loader includes a first oil accumulating part accumulating scattered lubricating oil and a second oil accumulating part accumulating the lubricating oil from the first oil accumulating part. The first oil accumulating part communicates with the second oil accumulating part through a communication oil path. Lubricating oil accumulated in the second oil accumulating part is directed to a lubricated part through a lubrication oil path when a rotary shaft is rotated at a rotational speed less than a predetermined rotational speed. The second oil accumulating part includes a shaft end space disposed at an end of the rotary shaft that accumulates the lubricating oil from the first oil accumulating part. A horizontal hole formed in a center part of the rotary shaft and extending axially allows the shaft end space and the vertical hole to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kyousuke MORIGUCHI, Hironori TORISU, Eiji YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140219762
    Abstract: A mining vehicle includes one or more crawlers, a first deck positioned above the crawlers, and a second deck positioned above the first deck. The first deck includes a first floor surface providing a walking surface, and one or more first deck maintenance components configured to allow a person to move among and access the first deck maintenance components. The second deck includes a second floor surface providing a walking surface, one or more second deck maintenance components, and one or more aisles configured to allow a person to move among and access the second deck maintenance components. The first and second decks are configured to provide maintenance access to the first and second deck maintenance components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: David T. Bienfang, Frank R. Szpek, JR., Carl D. Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20140219763
    Abstract: A power shovel including a tool for lifting, a machine house, a hoist drum, hoist drum machinery and an auxiliary weight box having a perimeter, the hoist drum and hoist drum machinery being at least partially disposed within the perimeter of the auxiliary weight box and the hoist drum being disposed outside of the machine house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: David T. Bienfang, Frank R. Szpek, JR., Carl D. Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20140199147
    Abstract: A mining shovel includes a dipper assembly comprising a dipper arm coupled to a dipper, a boom assembly configured to support the dipper assembly, and an overcrowd prevention system including one or more sensors configured to monitor an axial force. The mining shovel also includes a swing abuse prevention system, including one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more compound loading forces, and one or more sensors configured to monitor a torsion loading force. The mining shovel also includes a control module configured to receive signals from the sensors, and to control at least the crowding force applied to the dipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: James Ryan, Van I. Phifer
  • Patent number: 8770908
    Abstract: A support structure for a tilt cylinder of a machine that controls movement of an articulating implement may include a mounting plate, vertical support plates extending outwardly from a top surface of the mounting plate, and a central and side gussets connected to the top surface of the mounting plate and to the outer sides of the vertical support plates. The gussets assist in transitioning lateral or horizontal forces on the vertical support plates to the mounting plate and the end frame of the machine to reduce fatigue cracking at the points of connection of the vertical support plates to the mounting plate. The support structure may further include first and second lower support plates having top edges spaced from each other and connected to the bottom surface of the mounting plate, and bottom edges connected to each other so that the lower support plates and the mounting plate form a triangle in cross-section to further assist in transitioning the forces to the end frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tan, Michael Sekulich, Allen Boyer, Robert Hunter, Sameer Rishipathak
  • Publication number: 20140186151
    Abstract: A right front housing cover is arranged in the right side of a working mechanism, and a first control valve is arranged in a front portion side of a valve accommodation room that is covered with the right front housing cover. Further, a signal control valve block is arranged in the back side of the first control valve and in the upper side of the first control valve, and a solenoid valve is arranged in the back side of the signal control valve block. A front surface plate forming part of the right front housing cover has a lower side is inclined in an oblique downward direction toward the forward side, and is arranged along a virtual line that extends in an oblique downward direction through a front end portion of the first control valve and a front end portion of the signal control valve block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Constuction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kakurou Ootsuka, Hidefumi Hiramatsu, Tsuyoshi Ueki
  • Publication number: 20140178164
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed. The machine can include a frame and ground engaging propulsion elements coupled with the frame. A hydraulically actuated implement system can be coupled with the frame, and can include a linkage configured to couple with an implement, a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage and the frame, and a ride control and downforce control circuit configured to implement a ride control mode and a downforce control mode. The ride control mode can be configured to maintain a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator at a ride control pressure, and the downforce control mode can be configured to maintain the pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator at a downforce control pressure to oppose the weight of the linkage and the implement such that the implement engages a substrate with a predetermined down force pressure which is proportionate to the downforce control pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, David J. Lomax, Michael L. Knussman
  • Publication number: 20140180551
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi SHIRAO
  • Publication number: 20140173946
    Abstract: A zero-turn utility vehicle includes a frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed proximate to the front end of the frame, a rear wheel disposed proximate to the rear end of the frame, a prime mover supported by the frame above the drive wheels, the prime mover configured to power the drive wheels, a seat supported by the central structure, the seat disposed between the prime mover and the rear end, the seat configured to support a user facing towards the front end in a normal operating position, a pair of footrests located on opposite sides of the seat, a tool attachment coupled to the frame and powered by the prime mover, and user controls configured to operate the drive wheels, wherein each of the drive wheels may be operated independently with the user controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Gerrits, James Mast
  • Publication number: 20140169923
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi SHIRAO
  • Publication number: 20140112748
    Abstract: An industrial machine includes a frame supporting a fluid source and a boom, an arm, an attachment coupled to the arm, a cylinder, and a rod. The arm is movably coupled to the boom for translational and rotational movement relative to the boom. The cylinder includes a first end and a second end, and the cylinder defines an internal bore in fluid communication with the fluid source. The rod is coupled to the arm and is slidably received within the cylinder. The rod includes a port and a passage for providing fluid to the attachment. The port provides fluid communication between the internal bore and the passage. The port is positioned within the internal bore throughout the entire range of movement of the rod relative to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Doll, Christopher S. Jones, Jesse Knoble, Matthew Loew, Russell Luzinski, Daniel Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20140112747
    Abstract: A brake device for a work vehicle includes a brake unit including a brake disc plate and a piston having a slide portion slidably supported by an axle housing and a pressure portion for pressing the brake disc plate. A slack adjuster mechanism is disposed on the axially opposite side of the brake disc plate with respect to the piston while being disposed further on an inner peripheral side than the slide portion of the piston. The slack adjuster mechanism maintains a clearance between the piston and the brake disc plate at a predetermined clearance by mechanically adjusting a non-actuated position of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohnogi, Fumiaki Nakada, Keita Naruge
  • Publication number: 20140112749
    Abstract: An industrial machine includes a frame supporting a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an arm movably coupled to the boom and including a first end and a second end, an attachment coupled to the first end of the arm, a conduit extending from the frame to a position adjacent the attachment, a first member coupled to the boom, and a second member spaced apart from the first member. The first member supports a portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom. The second member supports a portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom. The second member is movable relative to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Doll, Christopher S. Jones, Jesse Knoble, Matthew Loew, Douglas Maki, Bernard Pusheck
  • Publication number: 20140105714
    Abstract: The hybrid excavator includes: a first detection sensor for detecting an RCV-manipulated quantity; a second detection sensor for detecting the rotational speed of an electric motor; a hydraulic pump-motor connected to the electric motor; a hydraulic cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump-motor; first and second hydraulic valves installed in first and second passages, respectively, between the hydraulic pump-motor and the hydraulic cylinder; a third hydraulic valve for compensating for or bypassing a flow rate and a controller for receiving an RCV-manipulation signal from the first detection sensor and the rotational speed of the electric motor from the second detection sensor to compare the received values to data of previously stored working conditions, to output a control signal for switching the first and second hydraulic valves, and to block a working fluid from returning into the hydraulic cylinder, so as to thereby quickly stop the working device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jae-Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140105713
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame including generally upwardly extending laterally spaced side members. A boom structure includes a pair of arms pivotably connecting the boom structure to the frame. A pressurized fluid system is operably associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering jointly each of the arms along a path of travel adjacent a corresponding side member. A stop member selectably extends outwardly from at least one of the side members between a locking position and a retracted position, the locking position extending at least a portion of the stop member into the path of travel of a corresponding arm of the boom structure to prevent a lowering movement of the boom structure beyond a predetermined height. A boom lock system prevents the fluid system from applying a fluid force to lower the boom structure when the stop member is in the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brad M. DILTS, Emory L. FREY, Curtiss M. LEE, III, John M. MOFFITT, Lance A. TAYLOR, Scott M. TIMKEN
  • Publication number: 20140099179
    Abstract: An industrial machine includes a frame, an elongated member, an attachment, a plurality of fluid lines, and a cartridge. The frame includes a boom and a fluid source. The elongated member is movably coupled to the boom and includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated member. The plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the second end of the elongated member and is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The cartridge is removably coupled to the elongated member. The cartridge includes a housing and a plurality of conduits supported within the housing. The conduits are in fluid communication with the plurality of lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140099178
    Abstract: The display system of the excavating machine has a work machine condition detection unit which detects information related to a current position of an excavating machine and a processing unit. This processing unit calculates an icon display of the bucket and the positions of the excavation edge portions viewed from a top of the excavating machine based on the information related to the current position of the excavating machine, the information related to the posture of the main body, the information about the positions of the excavation edge portions and the outer shape information about the bucket, and displays on a screen of a display device the target surface, the icon display position of the bucket, and an image which indicates the positions of the excavation edge portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Azumi Nomura, Masao Yamamura, Daishi Iwanaga, Etsuo Fujita, Eiji Morinaga
  • Patent number: 8684656
    Abstract: A loader mast-to-mounting frame pin arrangement is provided. The pin arrangement has stops added to a shaft that allow the pin to be held in two positions: the locked position and the parked position. In the locked position, a unique slot cut in the mast plate retains the pin by not allowing an eccentric protrusion on the shaft from passing through the slot when the pin is rotated to place the shaft in the top of the slot. When the pin is rotated so the shaft is towards the bottom of the slot, the eccentric protrusion is allowed to pass through the mast plate and the pin can be pulled out until it hits another protrusion on the shaft. At this point, the pin will stay in the mast but the loader can be removed from the tractor. To prevent the pin from rotating by itself, when in the locked position, and the loader coming unlatched, a spring loaded knob engages in the slot which prevents the shaft from being able to rotate to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Tyler Eugene Hilsden, Scott Robert Jamieson, Henry Friesen
  • Patent number: 8682542
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling the operation of an industrial machine including one or more components. A method of controlling the industrial machine includes determining a position of at least one of the one or more components of the industrial machine during a digging operation, determining a hoist bail pull setting based on the position of the at least one of the one or more components and a relationship between component position and hoist bail pull, and setting a level of hoist bail pull to the hoist bail pull setting. The level of hoist bail pull early in the digging operation is greater than the level of hoist bail pull later in the digging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Powers, John Burant
  • Patent number: 8668208
    Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ulma Safe Handling Equipment
    Inventors: Igor Larringan Errasti, Aitor Telleria Echeverria, Benito Hurtado Mena, Jone Larranaga Mendibaso, Fernando Odriozola Arregui
  • Publication number: 20140064898
    Abstract: Disclosed is a front loader provided with an indicator device. The indicator device is configured to indicate that the work implement is in an identical posture irrespective of a height position of the work implement, by aligning a rear end of the indicator rod with a rear end of the guide tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoichi Nishi, Koji Saito, Kosuke Oyama, Kenzo Ushiro, Takahiro Yonekura
  • Publication number: 20140064897
    Abstract: An excavation machine includes a chassis, a tool movably coupled to the chassis, an input device, and a controller operative to control movement of the tool to move earth at the job site. The controller may control movement of the tool along a predetermined path based on a tool motion sequence programmed at the controller. The controller may control a velocity of the tool along the predetermined path based on a position of the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Deere and Company
    Inventor: James Leonard Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8662816
    Abstract: An improved Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines for maneuvering an implement such as a bucket or pallet forks may include lift arms pivotally connected between an end frame of the machine and the implement, a tilt link pivotally connected between the implement and a tilt lever that is pivotally connected between the tilt link and the lift arms. Lift cylinders may rotate the lift arms to raise and lower the implement, and a tilt cylinder may drive the tilt lever and tilt link to rotate the implement between a dump position and a racked position. Ratios of the lengths of these kinematic elements are provided such that the good performance with one implement, such as bucket, does not result in poor performance with another implement, such as the pallet forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Wayne E. Harshberger, Jason J. Hagedorn, Jia X. Zhao, Susan Green, Jay H. Renfrow
  • Patent number: 8666610
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, a throttle opening degree setting unit, first and second hydraulic pumps driven by the engine, a travel hydraulic motor driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the first hydraulic pump, a work implement driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the second hydraulic pump. A first control unit is configured to determine a work phase of the work implement and to set an upper limit for the throttle opening degree in accordance with the work phase. A second control unit is configured to control output of the engine based on the smaller of the throttle opening degree set by the throttle opening degree setting unit and the throttle opening degree set by the first control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Publication number: 20140056675
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
  • Patent number: 8631580
    Abstract: A lift arm assembly includes a first arm casting including a first end, a second arm casting including a first end, and a tubular cross member attached to the first arm casting and the second arm casting. The lift arm assembly also includes a first arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the first arm casting. The lift arm assembly further includes a second arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the second arm casting such that the second arm tubular member is generally parallel to the first arm tubular member. At least one of the tubular cross member, the first arm tubular member, or the second arm tubular member has a continuous periphery, a maximum of one seam, and a substantially constant cross-section along substantially an entire length of the respective member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kort Christopher Randall, Balasubramanyam Appalla, Dale Michael Koch, Matthew Mark Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140003900
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body having wheels a work implement including an arm, a bucket, and an arm cylinder and a bucket cylinder that drive the arm and the bucket, respectively, and a work implement control device that directs an operation of the work implement. The work implement control device includes an arm control lever disposed on the right of a driver's seat, the arm control lever controlling operations of the arm, and two kickdown switches disposed at an upper surface and a left side surface, respectively, of a grip of the arm control lever. Operability can thereby be improved even further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masaki Yoshikawa, Ei Takahashi, Wataru Isaka
  • Patent number: 8620536
    Abstract: Controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper, a crowd motor drive, and a controller. The crowd motor drive is configured to provide one or more control signals to a crowd motor, and the crowd motor is operable to provide a force to the dipper to move the dipper toward or away from a bank. The controller is connected to the crowd motor drive and is configured to monitor a characteristic of the industrial machine, identify an impact event associated with the dipper based on the monitored characteristic of the industrial machine, and set a crowd motoring torque limit for the crowd motor drive when the impact event is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8606470
    Abstract: A system for a loader stores a signal indicative of a desired inclination of an implement. Upon receiving an operator interface actuation signal, a controller transmits a signal to move the implement to the stored inclination. The controller further transmits a lift arm command signal to move a lift arm towards a lower limit of travel of the lift arm. The lift arm command signal is terminated after the controller receives a signal from a sensor on the lift arm indicating that the lift arm is near its lower limit of travel. After the command signal is terminated, the controller may transmit a second lift arm command signal to further move the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Christian Nicholson, Todd R. Farmer
  • Patent number: 8589038
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a working machine provides improved safety during forced regeneration. Upon input of a forced regeneration command signal from a forced regeneration switch, a controller detects non-operated states of all hydraulic actuators such as an arm cylinder arranged on a hydraulic excavator based on a lock detection signal from a gate lock detection switch, and also an attitude of a front working mechanism. The attitude is proper from the standpoint of safety. The detection is based on an arm angle signal from an arm angle sensor, a bucket angle signal from a bucket angle sensor and a boom pressure signal from a boom pressure sensor. Taking the detection of the non-operated states and proper attitude as conditions, the controller outputs control signals to a boosting proportional solenoid valve and flow-rate controlling, proportional solenoid valve to make a forced regenerator conduct forced regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hagiwara, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Sato, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa, Masanori Ezawa
  • Patent number: 8571766
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8571763
    Abstract: The construction machine includes a propulsion device, the working equipment, and a controller that controls the propulsion device. The controller performs attitude determination of determining whether or not the present attitude of the working equipment corresponds to a predetermined attitude, performs propulsion determination of determining whether or not the present propulsive operation of the propulsion device corresponds to a predetermined propulsive operation performed while performing a predetermined construction task that applies an over load to the working equipment, performs driving force determination of determining whether or not the magnitude of the present propelling force corresponds to a predetermined magnitude at which an over load is applied to the working equipment, and reduces the propelling force outputted from the propulsion device when the results of attitude determination, propulsion determination, and driving force determination are affirmative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Masatsugu Numazaki
  • Publication number: 20130259621
    Abstract: A hoist system includes a drum, a motor, and a transmission. The drum includes a hollow shell, a first end, a second end, and an internal web, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The internal web extends across an interior portion of the shell in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, thereby defining a first portion and a second portion of the shell. The motor is coupled to the first end and includes an output shaft. The transmission is driven by the motor and includes a planetary gear train positioned within the interior portion of the shell. The planetary gear train includes an input gear coupled to the motor output shaft and an output gear coupled to the internal web to rotate the drum about the longitudinal axis. The planetary gear train is positioned in a first portion of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: HARNISCHFEGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Wurster, Peter Sandoval, JR., Edwin C. Hahlbeck