Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, implement coupling systems and methods in which hydraulic or electric coupling between an implement and the power machine is made automatically using an existing actuator, for example a tilt actuator, of the power machine. Thus, additional actuators are not required to achieve hydraulic or electric coupling. In exemplary embodiments, power coupling is also free from the process of mechanically coupling the implement to the implement carrier. Also, in exemplary embodiments, a machine side coupler assembly moves with the implement after a connection is established, despite the implement coupler assembly being removed from the implement carrier. This allows the same implement carrier to be used on all similarly sized machines.

Abstract: A method of coupling a tool to a work machine including inserting a front lug of a coupling assembly into a front recess on the tool, inserting a rear lug of the coupling assembly into a rear recess on the tool, moving a retaining member of the coupler assembly to a retaining position relative to the tool to releasably mount the tool to the work machine, while simultaneously preventing movement of a hydraulic coupling manifold on the coupling assembly from moving; and moving the hydraulic coupling manifold to a coupling position with a hydraulic power transmission coupling on the tool to hydraulically couple the tool to the work machine in response to the retaining member reaching the retaining position.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a work vehicle may include a chassis, a linkage, a work tool, first and second actuators connected to linkage, one or more sensors, and a controller. The work tool is movably connected to the chassis by the linkage and pivotally connected to the linkage about a base axis. The work tool includes a tip positioned at a forward end of the work tool, with a tip axis parallel to the base axis and passing through the tip. The one or more sensors are configured to provide one or more signals indicative of at least one of a position, velocity, and acceleration of the work tool. The controller is configured to actuate, based on the one or more signals, the first actuator and the second actuator to level the work tool by rotating the work tool about the tip axis.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device includes a gravity sensor to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM), and a laser receiver for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick of an excavator; the gravity sensor detects the angle of the stick, and the laser receiver detects a laser plane of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket is rotated, and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge. A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge.

Abstract: A loading device of a forklift truck includes outer masts provided at a truck body, mast support shafts rotatably supported by the truck body, and weld portions. Each weld portion is formed by weld bead. Each mast support shaft includes a shaft body that is rotatably supported by the truck body, a first flange portion extending forward and upward from the shaft body, and a second flange portion extending forward and upward from the shaft body. An outer periphery of the first flange portion is formed of a first curved surface. An outer periphery of the second flange portion formed of a second curved surface. Each weld portion includes a first weld portion formed along the first curved surface of the first flange portion of the mast support shaft and a second weld portion formed along the second curved surface of the second flange portion of the mast support shaft.

Abstract: A front loader comprises an arm, a work implement supported to a tip portion of the arm, and an angle display device. The angle display device includes a gauge member, an indicator, a shaft member, and a conversion mechanism. The gauge member has a scale indicating an angle of the work implement relative to the arm. The indicator is movable relative to the gauge member according to variations of the angle of the work implement. The shaft member is movable along the arm according to variations of the angle of the work implement. The conversion mechanism changes a relative position of the gauge member and the indicator according to the movement of the shaft member. The conversion mechanism is configured so as to cause the indicator to rotate relative to the gauge member around a rotation axis being parallel to an axis of the shaft member in one direction or another direction according to the movement of the shaft member.

Abstract: A front loader is 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.

Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.

Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.

Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit. The system includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.

Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.

Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.

Abstract: A bucket position indication mechanism is provided for a material handling machine. The material handling machine includes a bucket and an operator's control station. The bucket position indication mechanism includes at least one position indicating element attached to the bucket at a position that is viewable by an operator at the operator's control station when a bottom plate of the bucket is aligned with a ground surface and at least a portion of the position indicating element extending in a direction parallel to the bottom plate of the bucket.

Abstract: A work machine includes a machine frame, a loader and an electronic level indicator. The loader includes a loader frame coupled with the machine frame, a pair of booms pivotally carried by the loader frame, and a bucket pivotally carried at a forward end of the booms. An electronic level indicator includes a first indicator providing an indication of a relative angular orientation between the loader frame and at least one boom. A second indicator provides an indication of a relative angular orientation between the bucket and at least one boom. A controller is coupled with the first indicator, the second indicator and a visual indicator. The controller receives an input signal from each of the first indicator and the second indicator and actuates the visual indicator to indicate when the bucket is level.

Abstract: A level sensing system for use with an excavating machine includes a light receiving sensor, mounted on the dipper stick of the machine, and an inclinometer, also mounted on the dipper stick of the machine. The sensor and inclinometer provide indications of the relative location of a beam of light and the inclination of the dipper stick. The inclinometer includes a gyroscopic inclination sensor and an accelerometer arrangement for sensing acceleration due to gravity and providing a static vertical reference. A position determining circuit is responsive to the sensor and the inclinometer and calculates the position of a pivot joint on the dipper stick to which a digging bucket is attached. The beam of light is a beam of laser light which is projected by a laser transmitter. An angle-measuring sensor may be provided for measuring the angular orientation between the dipper stick and a cutting edge of the bucket.

Abstract: An improved level indicating system is provided for use with excavating equipment based upon a family of laser light receivers. In a first embodiment, a laser receiver with a single “long” photocell is mounted directly on the dipperstick of an excavator in a position that is designed to intercept pulses of laser light being emitted by a rotating laser light transmitter, and an angle-sensing sensor is also mounted to the dipperstick. In a second embodiment, a laser receiver with two parallel “long” photocells is mounted directly on the dipperstick, in which the pair of photocells are of sufficient precision to determine the angle of the dipperstick. In a third embodiment, a laser receiver with two parallel photocells is mounted directly on the dipperstick on a “servo mast” that can be re-positioned along the length of the dipperstick. The movable photocells thus can be shorter in length than the “long” photocells used in the second embodiment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the cutting depth and angle of an excavator bucket to excavate a surface to a desired contour. The method includes the steps of: (1) inputting data to a machine control system to define a desired contour of the excavated surface; (2) positioning the excavator bucket close to the desired contour; (3) enabling automatic control; and (4) automatically controlling movement of the excavator bucket only when the position of the excavator bucket is within a predetermined distance or angle of the desired contour. The method is used to automatically control the excavation to a desired depth if the bucket is within a predetermined distance of a desired depth. The method is also used to automatically control the angular orientation of bucket if the slope of the bucket is within a predetermined angle of a desired slope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical forklift level indicator. The level indicator includes a first arm pivotally connected at a first end to a body of the forklift and a second arm pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the forklift mast assembly. The first and second arms are pivotally attached to each other at their second ends forming an intermediate pivot. A reference arm is secured to the second end of the first arm to form a fixed angle therewith. The pivoting of the forklift mast assembly will thereby cause relative motion between the second arm and the reference arm indicative of the relative orientation of the forks of the forklift.

Abstract: A laser receiving depth sensor is attached to the stick of an excavator or backhoe. A mounting bar is magnetically mounted to the stick and the sensor is adjustably slidable along said mounting bar when fixed at selected one of a plurality of positions along the mounting bar.

Abstract: A laser-actuated depth sensor for an excavator, including a laser receiver, an inclination sensor assembly and indicators to inform the operator of the position and inclination of the excavator stick, is completely self-contained in a housing that may be mounted to the stick of an excavator. The indicators, which are each an array of LEDs, and corresponding indicia are readily visible to the operator who does not have to take his or her eyes off the excavation work zone.

Abstract: An apparatus determining relative positions of arm elements of a manipulator having at least two relatively moveable arm segments uses image analysis and a model of the manipulator to analyze an image of the two arms to determine the joint angles between adjacent arms.

Abstract: An implement has ground working tools mounted thereon moved by hydraulic motors and cylinders with each of the hydraulic motors and cylinders being adjusted through a main control valve. The main control valves are, in turn, controlled by two sets of valves, one set being pilot valves manually adjustable at an operator's station on the vehicle and the second being electrohydraulic valves controlled from a remote area by radio signals received by a radio receiver on the vehicle. Safety switches are provided on the vehicle to block transmittal of the radio signals. The vehicle has a television camera mounted externally of the vehicle cab and directed internally thereof. The camera transmits images to a television screen at a remote area.

Abstract: A mobile material handling machine includes a material handling element and an operator's control cab. A plate is pivotally attached to the material handling element in line with the operator's line of sight from the cab towards the element. The plate has first indicia on the edges thereof; second indicia on the top surface thereof; and third indicia on the bottom surface thereof. The first indicia is in line with the operator's line of sight when the material handling element is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the operator's cab.

Abstract: In the operation of a dump truck (10) it is often desirable to have an indicating means (24) provided to indicate to the operator when the truck body (14) of the vehicle is in its elevated or dumping position. It has been common practice to attach an indicator to the truck body that is visible to the operator when the truck body is down, however, this fails to provide a warning, as such, unless the operator remembers to take note of its absence before he drives away should the truck body fail to return properly. Also electrical indicators have been provided to indicate the position of the truck body, however, they rely on switches and other rather delicate componentry which is subject to damage due to the harsh environment which exists in the operation of the dump truck.

Abstract: A bale roller inclusive of an upstanding support frame that can be mounted on the front end of a dirigible and self-propelled vehicle such as a tractor or truck with an auxiliary frame pivotally mounted on the lower end of the support frame for vertical swinging movement about a transverse axis between a raised retracted position and a forwardly projecting operative position. The forward end of the auxiliary frame is constituted of a fixed transverse member having oppositely projecting end portions on which are rotatably mounted a pair of wheels. The wheels have pneumatic tires thereon, and are mounted on the transverse member in the same manner as is conventional for the mounting of automotive front wheels on their spindles. A chain can be used to adjustably support the auxiliary frame from the support frame, or alternatively a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly can connect the frames to control their relative positions.

Abstract: A bucket position indicator assembly for relieving the operator from constantly maintaining visual contact with the bucket and thereby taking his attention away from other operator functions. The bucket position indicator assembly includes a fluid cylinder, a slidable piston actuator, and an indicator panel that is mounted within the operator's compartment. The actuator includes a rod member which is pivotally attached at one end to the bucket movement linkage for reciprocal movement in response to rotational movement by the bucket. The piston end of the actuator is slidably movable within the fluid cylinder in response to the movement of the bucket during its normal duty cycle. A bore through the rod member permits fluid pressure to escape into an annular chamber formed between sealing disks at the piston end of the actuator. A plurality of orifices along the periphery of the fluid cylinder are connected by conduits to corresponding fluid inputs at the indicator panel.

Abstract: A color coding system for correlating the stages of a multiple stage, telescoping boom with the corresponding sections of a load chart and boom extension chart. The charts are arranged in separate sections which indicate, for various positions of the boom, the angle of the boom with respect to horizontal, its effective horizontal moment arm, and the maximum load that it can safely handle. The boom stages are each provided with a different exterior color, and the chart sections are colored such that each section is correlated with the boom stage to which it corresponds. Since the colors of the boom stages that are extended are readily visible, the color coding system facilitates reference to the proper sections of the charts and decreases the possibility of human error in reading of the charts.

Abstract: A signalling device operatively coupled between the side arm or lifting boom of a pipe layer and the frame thereof in a predetermined fixed position such that movement of the signalling device relative to the fixed position, which occurs in response to the operational load, is directly related to the critical or rolling load for any lateral position of the side arm or lifting boom.