Abstract: A method is disclosed for a controller to automatically switch to an alternative control mode to control the height of a grading implement when the output of a positioning sensor is not available. According to the invention, the controller recognizes sensor unavailability and automatically switches to an alternative operating mode to maintain control. In one alternative operating mode, the controller recognizes sensor unavailability and automatically routes the control signal from the unaffected side to the control channel for the affected side. In another alternative operating mode, the controller monitors the current value of an additional sensor for an alternative mode of control until one of the primary sensors becomes unavailable, and then automatically switches to the alternative mode for the affected side, using the last known value for the alternative mode as the set point.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting non-contacting distance sensors to a variable-height implement of a paver or other construction vehicle is disclosed. The mounting device includes two extension arm assemblies, each extension arm assembly having an inner section and an outer section that are movable relative to each other, with the inner section being mounted to the variable-height implement. The mounting device further includes a beam assembly attached to the outer sections of the extension arm assemblies. The beam assembly includes a beam and mounting brackets for attaching a plurality of non-contacting distance sensors to the beam.

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: A method of using a touch screen control panel to input and display data to control excavation by an excavator includes the steps of: (1) providing a display panel with a touch-sensitive screen at a position accessible to an operator; (2) inputting data by touching the display panel to define a desired contour of the excavated surface; (3) displaying on the display panel information representing the desired contour of the excavated surface; and (4) controlling movement of the excavator bucket to excavate the desired contour of the excavated surface. The display panel displays a sequence of screens that convey information to the operator and permit the operator to select operational modes and to input data to define the control parameters for the various operational modes.