Abstract: A method for controlling a machine during a transition from a service brake state to a parking brake includes receiving, by a control module, a request for activating a parking brake assembly. The method also includes transmitting, by the control module, control signals for activating a set of first brakes associated with a service brake assembly, a set of second brakes associated with the service brake assembly, and a clutch assembly. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the set of first brakes for deactivating the set of first brakes. The method includes controlling, by the control module, the parking brake assembly for activating the parking brake assembly. The method also includes controlling, by the control module, the set of second brakes for deactivating the set of second brakes. The method further includes controlling, by the control module, the clutch assembly for deactivating the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A method for shifting a transmission in a machine. The method includes detecting a request for a directional shift of the transmission and determining a ground speed of the machine in response to the request. The method further includes overriding the request if the ground speed is above a ground speed threshold. Further, the method includes preparing the machine for the directional shift by limiting an output speed of a power source of the machine and by issuing a command to a brake unit of the machine to reduce the ground speed of the machine. Furthermore, the method includes validating and raising the request to the transmission to execute the directional shift if the ground speed is below the ground speed threshold.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with operation of an underground machine includes a sensor that is disposed on the machine. The sensor is configured to output tri-axial acceleration data associated with the underground machine. The system also includes at least one controller that is disposed in communication with the sensor. The at least one controller is configured to evaluate the tri-axial acceleration data with at least one pre-defined criteria, and determine whether the tri-axial acceleration data is in excess of a threshold associated with the at least one pre-defined criteria based on the evaluation. The controller is also configured to record an occurrence of an abnormality in the condition associated with operation of the underground machine on the basis of whether the tri-axial acceleration data is in excess of a threshold associated with the at least one pre-defined criteria.

Abstract: A bucket for an underground loading machine includes an opened bucket front and a concaved bucket back. To provide abrasive wear resistance, the bucket includes a paddle plate joined to the bucket underside of the bucket floor. The paddle plate can have a trumpet-shape tapering from flared forward edge to a plate tail disposed toward the concaved bucket back. The bucket may be configured as a wedge bottomed bucket and include a plurality of spacer wedges disposed between and spacing apart the bucket underside and the paddle plate.

Abstract: A work machine includes an electric drive system. The work machine includes a prime mover, a machine controller, and a hydraulic control system. The hydraulic control system includes a pump, a control valve and a retarding control valve. The pump is configured to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic control system via a supply line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the pump via the supply line, and includes a pressure relief valve. The retarding control valve is fluidly connected to the pump and the control valve. The retarding control valve includes a solenoid valve, an orifice and a check valve. The solenoid valve is coupled to the machine controller, the orifice restricts a flow of the pressurized fluid through the supply line, and the check valve is coupled to a discharge line, which branches from a point along the supply line between the solenoid valve and the orifice.

Abstract: A service pin assembly for a machine includes a service pin and a tray for retaining the service pin. The tray is attachable to a frame of the machine, and is pivotable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the tray facilitates a storage of the service pin with the machine. In the second position, the tray facilitates an engagement of the service pin with a lift arm of the machine and the frame to restrict a relative movement between the frame and the lift arm.

Abstract: A system for detecting distribution of a weight of a payload in a dump body of a vehicle includes first sensors, second sensors, and a controller. The dump body is pivotable about pins to be selectively seated and titled to a frame of the vehicle. The first sensors are arranged between the dump body and the frame, and detect components of the weight of the payload exerted through the dump body when the dump body is seated relative to the frame. The second sensors are arranged correspondingly within the pins, and detect components of the weight of the payload exerted through the dump body. The controller determines a status of payload distribution in the dump body based on the component of the weight of the payload detected by the first sensors and second sensors, and generate a notification to indicate the status of payload distribution.

Abstract: A method for changing an orientation of a machine at a worksite includes controlling, by a controller, a movement of the machine from a first position to a second position along a first route; controlling, by the controller, a movement of the machine from the second position to a third position along a second route; and controlling, by the controller, a movement of the machine from the third position towards the first position along a third route. Each of the first route, the second route, and the third route define respective apexes and combinedly define a region therebetween. One or more of the apexes are directed inwards into the region.

Abstract: A method for operating an implement assembly of a machine at a worksite is disclosed. The implement assembly is adapted to receive a load from a location, haul the load, and dump the load at a dump location. The method includes detecting, by a controller, a movement of the machine towards the location. Further, the method includes moving, by the controller, the implement assembly from a first state to a second state if at least one parameter associated with the machine relative to the location falls below a corresponding parameter threshold during the movement of the machine towards the location.

Abstract: A method for operating an underground loader is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a controller, a first position of the underground loader within a worksite. The method also includes determining, by the controller, a location of a dumping pit within the worksite. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller, a route for the underground loader to tram from the first position to the location of the dumping pit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a movement of the underground loader along the route up to the location of the dumping pit. The method also includes moving, by the controller, an implement assembly of the underground loader based on a profile of a terrain along the route and a height of an embankment defined at an edge of the dumping pit.

Abstract: A foldable guardrail assembly is provided for selectively facilitating access to a machine component located onboard a vehicle. The vehicle has a platform with a handrail disposed thereon and located adjacent to the machine component. The guardrail assembly includes a set of guardrails pivotally connected to each other in a successive manner via at least a corresponding number of hinge assemblies. A first one of the guardrails is pivotally connected to an upright portion of the handrail via a first hinge assembly. The guardrail assembly further includes a first latch assembly provided, at least in part, on a last one of the guardrails. The first latch assembly is configured to releasably secure the last one of guardrails to the platform when the guardrails operably move into in a fully unfolded position, via the hinge assemblies, for providing access to the machine component located onboard the platform.

Abstract: A service pin assembly for a machine includes a service pin and a tray for retaining the service pin. The tray is attachable to a frame of the machine, and is pivotable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the tray facilitates a storage of the service pin with the machine. In the second position, the tray facilitates an engagement of the service pin with a lift arm of the machine and the frame to restrict a relative movement between the frame and the lift arm.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module, for a HVAC system, mountable to a work machine, the HVAC module comprising a housing having at least one air outlet and at least one air inlet communicable with ducting on the work machine for conveying air into and out of the operator cab of the work machine. The module also includes a mounting assembly for pivotably attaching the housing to the work machine. The housing is moveable between an operating position where the outlet and inlet are in contact with a ducting interface on the work machine, and a maintenance position, where the housing is pivoted upwards to disconnect from ducting interface of the work machine to allow access to underlying components of the work machine.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with operation of an underground machine includes a sensor that is disposed on the machine. The sensor is configured to output tri-axial acceleration data associated with the underground machine. The system also includes at least one controller that is disposed in communication with the sensor. The at least one controller is configured to evaluate the tri-axial acceleration data with at least one pre-defined criteria, and determine whether the tri-axial acceleration data is in excess of a threshold associated with the at least one pre-defined criteria based on the evaluation. The controller is also configured to record an occurrence of an abnormality in the condition associated with operation of the underground machine on the basis of whether the tri-axial acceleration data is in excess of a threshold associated with the at least one pre-defined criteria.

Abstract: A mining machine is provided. The machine includes a frame and an engine mounted on the frame. The machine also includes a heat exchanger and an aftertreatment system mounted on the frame. The machine further includes a cooling system disposed between the heat exchanger and the aftertreatment system. The cooling system includes a shroud member and a plurality of fans mounted on the shroud member. Each of the plurality of fans is adapted to provide a flow of air across the heat exchanger and around at least a portion of the aftertreatment system. The shroud member is split into a plurality of sections and each of the plurality of sections includes at least one of the plurality of fans therein.

Abstract: An implement system includes a linkage and a bucket coupled with the linkage and movable between a dump position and a racked position. The bucket has a torque tube assembly coupled to an outer surface to increase the bucket's torsional rigidity.

Abstract: A control system for a machine may include a door sensor configured to generate a closed signal when a door of a cab of the machine is in a closed position, and an Electronic Control Module (ECM) communicably coupled to the door sensor and configured to detect the closed signal. The ECM is programmed to prevent release of a parking brake of the machine if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door.

Abstract: A mining machine is provided. The mining machine includes a frame. The mining machine includes an engine mounted on the frame. The mining machine also includes a transmission unit operably coupled to the engine. The mining machine further includes an electric drive operably coupled to the transmission unit. The electric drive is adapted to operate as an electric motor in a first operating mode of the machine to provide electric power to the mining machine. The electric drive is also adapted to operate as an electric generator in a second operating mode of the machine to generate electric power for later use.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension control system is disclosed for use in load-carrying vehicles. The system controls a response of a suspension cylinder configured to support a main body of a vehicle in relation to a ground-contacting portion of the vehicle. A main accumulator is configured to contain a main compressible gas volume and is fluidly connected with the suspension cylinder. An auxiliary accumulator is configured to contain an auxiliary compressible gas volume. A valve is configured to selectively fluidly connect the auxiliary accumulator to the suspension cylinder. When the valve is open, compressing the suspension cylinder compresses both the main compressible gas volume and the auxiliary compressible gas volume. When the valve is closed, the auxiliary accumulator is fluidly isolated from the suspension cylinder. A processor is configured to automatically open or close the valve using a solenoid actuator based on one or more operating parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension control system is disclosed for use in load-carrying vehicles. The system controls a response of a suspension cylinder configured to support a main body of a vehicle in relation to a ground-contacting portion of the vehicle. A main accumulator is configured to contain a main compressible gas volume and is fluidly connected with the suspension cylinder. An auxiliary accumulator is configured to contain an auxiliary compressible gas volume. A valve is configured to selectively fluidly connect the auxiliary accumulator to the suspension cylinder. When the valve is open, compressing the suspension cylinder compresses both the main compressible gas volume and the auxiliary compressible gas volume. When the valve is closed, the auxiliary accumulator is fluidly isolated from the suspension cylinder. A processor is configured to automatically open or close the valve using a solenoid actuator based on one or more operating parameters of the vehicle.