Abstract: A hitch assembly for a bucket of a work machine includes a bracket adapted to be removably coupled with the bucket at any one of a plurality of hitch locations. The bracket defines a first bracket end and a second bracket end. The bracket is adapted to be coupled with a drag chain proximal to the first bracket end. The hitch assembly also includes one or more first mechanical fasteners adapted to removably couple the bracket with the bucket. The hitch assembly further includes a second mechanical fastener adapted to be coupled with each of the bucket and the bracket proximal to the second bracket end. Based on a removal of the one or more first mechanical fasteners from the bucket and the bracket, the bracket and the second mechanical fastener rotate relative to the bucket for disposing the bracket at any one of the plurality of hitch locations.

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a traction system supporting the frame, an arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the frame, an implement connected to the second end, and a linkage connecting the implement to the second end of the arm assembly. The linkage includes a pin-supporting section configured to accept a pin and a linking section attached to the pin-supporting section by a weld. The linking section includes a recess proximate to the weld.

Abstract: A digging machine such as a face shovel is controlled in an automated dumping sequence in which the bucket is pivoted to a first angular orientation before opening and, optionally, re-orienting to a second, slightly more forwardly inclined angular orientation. The first orientation may relieve the front part of the bucket from the load while the second orientation is selected to discharge the load at an optimal trajectory. The bucket may move to a third angular orientation before closing the front part against gravity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for estimating a payload of a hydraulic mining shovel comprising an attachment having a bucket and at least one hydraulic cylinder. The method comprising the steps of determining a current position of the bucket, measuring a cylinder pressure and an angular attachment acceleration, estimating a dynamic cylinder pressure based on the angular attachment acceleration, calculating an estimated static cylinder pressure and retrieving a payload estimation. The present invention also pertains to a hydraulic mining shovel comprising a system being configured to carry out such method.

Abstract: A dipper handle includes a dipper tube, a dipper engagement member, and an intermediate member between the dipper tube and the dipper engagement member. The dipper tube has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a contoured inner surface. The contoured inner surface results in multiple wall thicknesses for the dipper tube, including a first thickness proximate a first end and a second, larger thickness, proximate a second end. The second end is configured for coupling to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A pivoting connection between a bucket and a padlock of a rope shovel, a pin assembly, and a rope shovel are disclosed. A pivoting connection includes a pin having a pin axis and extending through a bucket lug of the bucket and a pair of padlock lugs of the padlock; a flag having a pin end and a mounting end; a locking coupling coaxial with the pin axis and located in the pin end of the flag, wherein the locking coupling selectively couples the flag to the pin; and a slotted flag mount attached to the bucket including a vertical slot and a horizontal slot parallel to the pin axis; wherein the mounting end of the flag is received by the slotted flag mount such that the pin is constrained from rotating with respect to the bucket and from translating along the pin axis.

Abstract: A liner assembly for protecting a sidewall of a work implement associated with a work machine is disclosed. The liner assembly includes a wedge, a wedge-plate interface, a liner plate, and a weld. The wedge comprising a receiving channel configured to support the liner plate and a slot for filling the weld to secure the wedge to the sidewall. The liner plate includes an engaging channel complementary to the receiving channel to form the wedge-plate interface which supports the liner plates on the wedge. The weld is further provided along the perimeter and gaps of the liner plates to secure the liner plate to the sidewall of the work implement.

Abstract: A dipper handle assembly includes a tube coupled to a yoke. The yoke has a collar extending along a collar axis, a transition portion, a first arm and a second arm. The transition portion includes a distal end having first and second lateral sections and first and second transverse sections. The first and second lateral sections and the first and second transverse sections all lie in a virtual transition portion distal end plane, and the virtual transition portion distal end plane intersects the collar axis at an oblique angle.

Abstract: A latching system associated with a dipper door of a dipper includes a latch bar that engages with a body of the dipper. The latch bar defines a longitudinal axis. The latch bar includes a housing, one or more shims, and a wear member removably coupled to the housing. The wear member defines a wear surface and a wear axis extending parallel to the wear surface. An angle defined between the wear axis and the longitudinal axis is less than 45 degrees. The latching system also includes an arm member pivotally coupled to the dipper door such that the arm member is pivotable along a first pivot plane. The arm member contacts a portion of the latch bar for moving the latch bar along the longitudinal axis. The latching system includes a guide assembly having a guide pulley and an actuation member that causes pivoting of the arm member.

Abstract: A dipper handle assembly includes a tube coupled to a yoke. The yoke has a collar extending along a collar axis, a transition portion, a first arm and a second arm. The transition portion includes a distal end having first and second lateral sections and first and second transverse sections. The first and second lateral sections and the first and second transverse sections all lie in a virtual transition portion distal end plane, and the virtual transition portion distal end plane intersects the collar axis at an oblique angle.

Abstract: A yoke of a dipper handle comprises a collar and a crowd pin aperture extending along a crowd pin aperture axis. First and second arms of the yoke include dipper pin lug apertures aligned along a dipper pin aperture axis parallel to the crowd pin aperture axis. The first and second arms of the yoke further include first and second pitch brace lug apertures aligned along a pitch brace aperture axis parallel to the crowd pin aperture axis. A first virtual reference line extends between the crowd pin aperture axis and the dipper pin aperture axis, while a second virtual reference line extends between the crowd pin aperture axis and the pitch brace aperture axis. An included angle ? between the first virtual reference line and the second virtual reference line is between approximately 25 to approximately 51 degrees.

Abstract: A dipper handle includes a dipper tube, a dipper engagement member, and an intermediate member between the dipper tube and the dipper engagement member. The dipper tube has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a contoured inner surface. The contoured inner surface results in multiple wall thicknesses for the dipper tube, including a first thickness proximate a first end and a second, larger thickness, proximate a second end. The second end is configured for coupling to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A cam frame assembly for a walking system includes a plurality of frame components. The frame components include an upper frame, a lower frame, a front guide frame, and a rear guide frame. At least one of the frame components includes a replaceable wear surface. The replaceable wear surface is an insert retained within a notch in the frame component.

Abstract: A system to control operation of a machine having a ground-engaging work implement for moving material about a worksite include a controller configured to determine a feasible target profile for the work implement to engage material. The feasible target profile may include a preload segment, a cut segment, and a loading segment. The controller determines a feasible prospective cut segment from a plurality of prospective cut segments. The controller generates a prospective preloading segment and a prospective loading segment associated with the feasible prospective cut profile. Position points associated with the loading segment are extracted and the controller determines if the ground-engaging work implement will align with the plurality of position points. The controller may also determine whether the load volume for the prospective cut segment is efficient.

Abstract: A tracking problem detection system for a machine may include tracking diagnostic circuitry including one or more tracking diagnostic processors configured to receive a location signal indicative of a location of a machine and a path signal indicative of a path location associated with at least a portion of a path for the machine to follow while maneuvering. The tracking diagnostic processors may also be configured to determine a tracking difference between the path location and the location of the machine, and determine a frequency of a signal associated with the tracking difference and/or a frequency of a signal associated with a yaw rate associated with the maneuvering. The tracking diagnostic processors may also be configured to detect, based at least in part on the frequencies of the signals associated with the tracking difference and/or the yaw rate, a tracking problem associated with maneuvering the machine.

Abstract: A seal testing system includes a drive system and a rotating shaft driven by the drive system. The system further includes a first seal testing subassembly including a first rotating member coupled to the rotating shaft, a first stationary member located adjacent the first rotating member, and a first test seal disposed between the rotating member and the stationary member at a first seal interface; and a second seal testing subassembly including a second rotating member coupled to the rotating shaft, a second stationary member located adjacent the second rotating member, and a second test seal disposed between the rotating member and the stationary member at a second seal interface. The system additionally includes a misalignment assembly coupled to the first and second stationary members to move the first and second stationary members the same distance to provide an equal misalignment at the first and second seal interface.

Abstract: A method for applying fluid to a travel lane is disclosed. The method may include receiving information related to a travel lane including a first set of tire paths and a second set of tire paths to be traveled by one or more vehicles, generating spray pattern control information for a fluid application machine having multiple spray heads based on the first set of tire paths and the second set of tire paths to be traveled by the one or more vehicles, and selectively triggering the multiple spray heads of the fluid application machine to alternately apply fluid to the first set of tire paths and the second set of tire paths based on the spray pattern control information and based on a current position of the fluid application machine on the travel lane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a coupling assembly (13) for a machine (10). The coupling assembled comprises a pin (27) comprising at least a first pin passageway (31) for lubricant extending between a first pin passageway inlet (32) and a first pin passageway outlet (33) for directing lubricant outside of the pin (27). The coupling assembly (13) also comprises a distribution device (28) for distributing lubricant comprising at least one distribution device inlet (45) for receiving lubricant and at least one distribution device outlet (46, 62, 47, 48). The distribution device (28) is mounted to the pin (27) and the at least one distribution device outlet (46, 62, 47, 48) is arranged to direct lubricant into the first pin passageway inlet (32).

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a traction system supporting the frame, an arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the frame, an implement connected to the second end, and a linkage connecting the implement to the second end of the arm assembly. The linkage includes a pin-supporting section configured to accept a pin and a linking section attached to the pin-supporting section by a weld. The linking section includes a recess proximate to the weld.

Abstract: A latching system associated with a dipper door of a dipper includes a latch bar that engages with a body of the dipper. The latch bar defines a longitudinal axis. The latch bar includes a housing, one or more shims, and a wear member removably coupled to the housing. The wear member defines a wear surface and a wear axis extending parallel to the wear surface. An angle defined between the wear axis and the longitudinal axis is less than 45 degrees. The latching system also includes an arm member pivotally coupled to the dipper door such that the arm member is pivotable along a first pivot plane. The arm member contacts a portion of the latch bar for moving the latch bar along the longitudinal axis. The latching system includes a guide assembly having a guide pulley and an actuation member that causes pivoting of the arm member.