Abstract: A method for workplace management is provided. The method includes determining a plurality of goals associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed at a workplace, from a database. The method also includes dynamically obtaining task-related information based on a plurality of monitoring parameters associated with the tasks. The method further includes comparing the task-related information with the plurality of goals for monitoring a status of each of the plurality of tasks. The method includes dynamically rendering the status of each of the plurality of tasks on a user interface. The method also includes managing the plurality of tasks to be performed by a plurality of workers based on the status.

Abstract: A system for connecting a tool to an implement may have a clamp with a first side, and a second side with teeth. The system may also have a wedge with a body configured to engage the second side of the clamp, a channel formed in the body, and a collar. The wedge may additionally have an elongated pocket formed in the body, a first ramp extending between the channel and an end of the elongated pocket, and a second ramp located at a point between a base end of the body and the first ramp. The first and second ramps may be inclined relative to an axis of the channel. The system may further have a slider with a toothed surface configured to engage the teeth of the clamp when the slider is in the channel, and a fastener threadingly engaged with the slider.

Abstract: A tube seal assembly is provided to connect a tube and an adapter in order to circulate a fluid. The tube seal assembly can include various components such as a locking flange, a tube retainer, a seal guard, and an elastomeric seal. Bolts are used to secure the components of tube seal assembly together through the use of a load and to secure the tube seal assembly to the second tube. Teeth on the tube retainer are angled to dig into the first tube to prevent the tube from separating from the adapter during a blowout. The tube seal assembly can be configured to connect to any existing tube in order to be more serviceable in the field.

Abstract: A plating method for plating a layer of material onto a part using friction burnishing is provided. The method includes moving the part at a predetermined speed. The method further includes bringing the material into contact with the moving part at a predetermined pressure. The method further includes forming a plating layer of the material on a surface of the part by maintaining the material in contact with the moving part for a predetermined time period. Alternatively, the method includes forming at least one lobed plating layer of the material on the moving part by maintaining the material in contact with the moving part and switching between a first predetermined pressure and a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A retention plate for a hydraulic lash adjuster of a valve train is provided. The retention plate includes a first surface. The retention plate includes a second surface mutually opposite the first surface. The second surface is adapted to contact with a cylinder head of an engine. The retention plate also includes a coupling mechanism defined on the retention plate. The coupling mechanism is adapted to couple the retention plate to the cylinder head. The coupling mechanism includes a through hole adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough. The retention plate further includes a restriction mechanism defined on the retention plate. The restriction mechanism is adapted to restrict a movement of the hydraulic lash adjuster beyond the first surface towards the cylinder head. The restriction mechanism includes an aperture having an aperture size smaller than an outer diameter of the hydraulic lash adjuster.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a housing having a housing bore defined by a bore inner surface, wherein the bore inner surface has an internal thread formed thereon and an insert having a flange formed adjacent a first end, a sealing feature formed adjacent a second end opposite the first end, and a cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, the cylindrical outer surface having an external buttress thread configured to mesh with the internal thread of the housing bore. The sealing feature and the flange are configured to interface with the housing to provide a fluid seal.

Abstract: An operator training system for a machine is disclosed. The operator training system comprises an interface in communication with a machine and a processor communicatively coupled to the interface. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface, operation data associated with operation of the machine. The processor is further configured to determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data. The processor is also configured to compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value. The processor is further configured to provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

Abstract: An enclosure arrangement for a machine is provided. The enclosure arrangement includes a housing and a deck. The housing is configured to enclose work components of the machine. The housing includes multiple sidewalls, and a platform disposed above the sidewalls. The housing further includes one or more access doors associated with the platform and one or more sidewalls. The deck extends laterally from the sidewalls such that an operator supported on the deck may access the work components on opening the access doors.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating performances of a piece of equipment and equipment operator. One disclosed method includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the equipment. The method then includes resolving a plurality of segments the equipment is sequentially performing from the sensed operating parameters to provide a sequence of resolved segments. The method then includes resolving what application the equipment is performing based upon the sequence of resolved segments to provide at least one resolved application. The method then includes applying at least one metric to the resolved application to provide at least one applied application metric. Then, the method includes evaluating the performance of the equipment and operator using the applied application metric. Various systems for installation on existing work equipments or new work equipments such as loaders and excavators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking system is disclosed for use with a fleet of machines operating at a common worksite. The tracking system may have a locating device located onboard each machine of the fleet of machine that is configured to determine a current location of an associated machine of the fleet of machines, and a communicating device located onboard each machine in communication with the locating device. The tracking system may also have a central controller located offboard the fleet of machines in communication with each communicating device. The central controller may be configured to receive an unacknowledged message from each communicating device relaying the current location of the associated machine. The central controller may also be configured to update a location listing of the fleet of machines with the current location, and to repetitively multicast the location listing to the communicating devices of the fleet of machines.

Abstract: An endcap including a first plate member including a radial inner portion, a radial outer portion, and defining a longitudinal axis. The endcap also includes a flange disposed between the radial inner and outer portions of the first plate member and projecting axially along the longitudinal axis in a first direction. The endcap also includes a first seal member disposed adjacent the flange. The first seal includes a first portion thereof engaged with an axial facing surface of the first plate member and a second portion thereof engaged with a radially facing surface of the flange. The endcap further includes a second plate member disposed radially outward of the radial outer portion and a second seal member disposed adjacent the second plate member including at least a portion thereof axially spaced from the axially facing surface of the first plate member in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A fluid cylinder is connected to the idler wheel for tensioning the endless rubber belts. The present recoil activated valve includes a two position poppet valve positioned between the fluid cylinder and an accumulator. With this recoil activated valve the tensioning system locks the fluid cylinder as the work machine traverses side slopes. Thus, a simple system is provided that can be solely fluid actuated or actuated by an electronic monitoring system, thereby providing a system that reduces the possibility of the endless rubber track from un-tracking.

Abstract: A hitch for a machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the machine. The hitch has a frame attached to the machine and a subframe mounted to the frame for movement about a first or pivot axis with respect thereto. A mast is attached to the subframe so that it may pivot relative to the subframe about a second or pitch axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. The mast has a hitch element and a carrier positioned in movable engagement one with the other to permit relative elevational movement of the hitch element. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.

Abstract: A method for reducing the brake pressure commanded by a traction control system of a machine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of estimating the instantaneous heat energy associated with an applied brake, estimating the accumulated heat energy associated with the applied brake during the time period that the brake is applied in response to the instantaneous heat energy; comparing the accumulated heat energy to a maximum allowable heat energy value; and reducing the magnitude of the braking command signal to reduce the applied brake pressure in response to the accumulated heat energy being greater than the maximum allowable heat energy value.

Abstract: A self-aligning idler wheel assembly for a belted work vehicle includes a spindle having first and second radially extending flange portions. First and second self-aligning mechanisms are associated with a respective flange portion. The vehicle has an undercarriage assembly including a belt tensioning mechanism and a roller frame assembly. The first self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the belt tensioning mechanism and the second self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the roller frame assembly. The first and second self-aligning mechanisms provide self-aligning of the idler wheel assembly to ensure that the track belt runs straight and true.

Abstract: A drive sprocket assembly for driving an endless track chain assembly for propelling a vehicle includes a support hub, which is mountable to the power drive system of the vehicle, and a plurality of replaceable sprocket segments which are secured to the support hub. Each sprocket segment includes replaceable teeth which are resiliently isolated from the other components of the sprocket segment by a plurality of non-metallic resilient discs, thus reducing noise generated by the sprocket teeth striking the endless chain assembly. Conventional drive sprocket assemblies use a one-piece toothed sprocket, or tooth segments having several teeth, bolted directly to a support member. These prior sprocket assemblies generate considerable noise and vibration from impacting of the teeth with an endless chain. The subject sprocket assembly produces low levels of noise by utilizing individual replaceable teeth, or teeth segments, which are isolated from the other components of the sprocket segments by resilient discs.