Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing coordinated control of a work implement of a work machine. The implement includes a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion, with the first end portion pivotally connected to the frame and the second end portion pivotally connected to a load-engaging member. The apparatus includes a position sensor adapted for providing a position signal, and an input device adapted for delivering a desired velocity signal indicative of the desired velocity of the load-engaging member. The desired velocity includes a desired angular velocity and a desired linear velocity. The apparatus receives the position signal and the desired velocity signal, and determines an actual path of travel of the load-engaging member, and a desired path of travel of the load-engaging member. The apparatus further modifies the desired angular velocity and the desired linear velocity in response to a deviation between the actual and desired paths of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing coordinated control of a work implement of a work machine. The implement includes a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion, with the first end portion pivotally connected to the frame and the second end portion pivotally connected to a load-engaging member. The apparatus includes a boom position sensor adapted for providing a boom position signal, and an input device adapted for delivering a desired boom velocity signal indicative of the desired velocity of the boom. The desired velocity of the boom includes a desired angular velocity and a desired linear velocity. The apparatus receives the boom position signal and the desired boom velocity signal, and determines an actual velocity of the boom as a function of the boom position signal.

Abstract: A mobile machine having a machine frame with a first side and a second side. A stabilizer leg is located at each of the first and second sides of the machine frame, and is movable between a first ground-engaging position and a second ground-engaging position. The stabilizer leg includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. A first end portion of the first linkage is pivotally connected to the machine frame, and a second end portion of the first linkage is pivotally connected to one end portion of the second linkage. A first end portion of the third linkage is connected to the machine frame via the fourth linkage, and a second end portion of the third linkage is connected to the one end portion of the second linkage. A recessed area of the third linkage is adapted to receive the first linkage when the stabilizer leg is in the first ground engaging position.

Abstract: The system includes a path planning system adapted to store a site model of the field. The site model includes data defining a plurality of parameters associated with the field. The path planning system is further adapted to receive information indicative of a work implement connected to the agricultural machine, and a desired work operation of the agricultural machine. A plurality of desired paths for the agricultural machine to traverse are planned as a function of the plurality of field parameters, the work implement, and the desired work operation. An autoguidance control system is adapted to receive the plurality of desired paths, and responsively produce a control signal upon activation of the autoguidance control system. A machine control system receives the control signal, and responsively controls the operation of the agricultural machine with respect to the plurality of desired paths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and coordinating the harvesting and transporting operations of an agricultural crop by multiple agricultural machines on a field is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first position determining system located on a first agricultural machine, a site database for storing a dynamic model of the field, and a harvest volume indicating system located on the first agricultural machine. A control system receives information from the first position determining system, the site database, and the harvest volume indicating system, and responsively determines an expected time at which the harvested crop will reach a predetermined desired level on the first agricultural machine.

Abstract: A control device for a machine has a control lever operative to rotate about two axes. The control lever is rotatably mounted on a shaft within a frame and is in communication with a first rotation sensor to detect movement of the control lever about the first axis. A first pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever within the frame. The control lever and frame are operative to rotate about the second axis. A second rotation sensor is operative to detect movement of the control lever about the second axis. A second pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever and frame within a stationary housing.

Abstract: A site database structure for storing elevation data for access by an application program being executed on a control system on a work machine. The data is stored in a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN). The elevation of a point on the work site based on the three points forming the triangle containing the point.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically determining the total sound power emitted by a work machine. The noise testing system employs a processor and remote control to control the measurement of both exterior and interior sound generated by a work machine in either a dynamic or static operating mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an automated back-up alarm on a mobile machine including a back-up detector to detect enablement of rearward motion by the mobile machine, a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and a controller. The apparatus detects enablement of rearward motion by the mobile machine and a parameter representative of ambient light, and responsively activates one of the visual indicator and the audible indicator as a function of the mobile machine being enabled to move in a rearward direction and the parameter representative of ambient light.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system for loading a bucket of an earthmoving machine includes sensors for producing machine parameter signals representative of how strongly the machine is crowding the pile of material to be loaded. A command signal generator monitors crowd factors corresponding to the sensed parameters to determine when the bucket contacts the pile, then generates bucket lift hydraulic cylinder command signals to maintain a traction force. The command signal generator next determines from the crowd factors when the pile is engaged near the machine capacity, then generates bucket tilt hydraulic cylinder command signals in proportion to the monitored crowd factors to rack the bucket at rates calculated to efficiently capture the material.