Abstract: An electro-hydraulic linear lead screw actuator preferably includes an electric motor device, a hydraulic tube, an actuator lead screw, an actuator screw nut, an actuator rod and at least one external hydraulic flow passage. The actuator lead screw is rotated by the electric motor device. The actuator screw nut preferably includes a piston portion, a first screw nut portion and a second screw nut portion. A lead screw thread is formed through the first and second screw nut portions to threadably receive the actuator lead screw. The actuator rod is retained on the piston portion. Rotation of the electric motor device causes the actuator rod to extend or retract. A first hydraulic chamber is located behind the piston portion and a second hydraulic chamber is located in front of the piston portion. At least one external hydraulic flow passage transfers hydraulic fluid between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A docking station may be used to provide a physical foundation and an operational base for a remote wireless cab. The docking station preferably includes a base member, a hydraulic pump and an electrical generator. The hydraulic pump is not needed for a remote wireless electric cab. The base member includes a support base and at least two upright mounting members. The at least two upright mounting members extend upward from the support base. The hydraulic pump and the electrical generator are preferably attached to a top surface of the support base. A remote wireless cab is attached to the at least two upright mounting members. The hydraulic pump is connected to the hydraulic pressure and return lines. The electrical generator is connected to the electrical bulkhead through the power cable. The remote wireless cab may be operated with the docking station.

Abstract: A remote wireless hydraulic cab preferably includes a cab member, a hydraulic sensor block, an electrical bulkhead, a cab bridge controller and a cab transceiver. The cab member preferably includes a cab enclosure, two hydraulic joysticks, two hydraulic treadles and electrical equipment. The hydraulic sensor block includes a sensor block and a plurality of hydraulic pressure sensors. Hydraulic lines from the joysticks and treadles are connected to the sensor block. Pressure measurements from the joysticks and treadles are sent from the plurality of hydraulic pressure sensors to the cab bridge controller. The cab bridge controller sends signals for wireless transmission through a cab wireless transceiver to a frame transceiver. The electrical equipment is supplied with electrical power and transmits signals through the electrical bulkhead. Electrical power to the cab enclosure is supplied through an electrical generator and hydraulic fluid to the joysticks and treadles are supplied through a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A modular saddle mount and modified frame cross member for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs preferably includes a heavy equipment modified frame cross member, two modular saddle mounts and at least two vibration isolators. The modified frame cross member includes a frame cross member, two sets of opposed mounting blocks and two cutout filler plates. The two cutout filler plates are secured in first and second cutouts. Each opposed mounting block is secured to an outside of the frame cross member. The modular saddle mount preferably includes a saddle base member and a pair of fastening inserts. A fastening cutout is formed in each end of the saddle base member. The pair of fastening inserts are retained on an inside surface of the saddle base member at opposing ends thereof. At least one isolator opening is formed through the base saddle member to receive a vibration isolator.

Abstract: A one-handed joystick for cranes allows an operator to make all necessary motions with a single hand and arm for manipulating various components of a crane. The one-handed joystick includes a rotatable cylinder bar, a rotatable ring, an industrial joystick base, a rocker switch and at least two push button switches. Motions of the rotatable cylinder bar, the rotatable ring, the industrial base and the rocker switch are used to raise and lower the auxiliary hoist; raise and lower the telescopic boom for luffing a hoist; raise and lower the main hoist; slew the boom base in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; and extend or retract the telescoping boom. The speed of main and auxiliary hosts may be changed with the two push button switches. A Deadman's switch may be installed on a back side of the rotatable cylinder bar.

Abstract: An electrical method for centering telehandler rear wheels preferably includes an electronic control module (ECM), a rear steering cylinder, a pair of rear centering valves, a front steering cylinder, a steer mode valve, at least one steering position sensor, a steering control unit and a mode selection switch. The front and rear steering cylinders are connected to the steer mode valve. The steering control unit directs hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to flow into the front and rear steering cylinders to turn the wheels. A 2W steering mode requires that the rear wheels be straight before going from a 4W steering mode into the 2W steering mode. The ECM monitors a position of the rear wheels through the at least one steering position sensor. If the wheels are not straight, the ECM will open a centering valve to straighten the rear wheels, before going into the 2W steering mode.

Abstract: A screw-pump type electro-hydraulic actuator preferably includes an electric motor device, a hydraulic tube, a pump piston, a spline rod, an actuator rod and a hydraulic control circuit. The electric motor device preferably includes an electric motor and a gearbox. One end of the spline rod is engaged with an output of the gearbox. The pump piston preferably includes a piston base, three sets of screw pump rollers, a spline drive gear, a first piston end plate and a second piston end plate. The hydraulic flow circuit includes a first relief valve, a first check valve, a second relief valve, a second check valve and an accumulator. The screw pump rollers are rotatably retained in the piston base between the first and second piston end plates. The spline gear drives the pump driven gears of the three drive screw pump rollers through the spline drive gear to pump hydraulic oil.

Abstract: A secondary retention device includes a bolt inserted through a cab floor and a modular saddle mount. A nut and the bolt retain the cab floor and the modular saddle mount together. A first alternative includes a yoke extending upward from the modular saddle mount, an extension plate extending downward from a bottom of the cab floor and a lock pin. A second alternative includes a bent over edge of the cab floor, a bent-up edge of the modular saddle mount and the lock pin. A third alternative includes a retention plate extending downward from the cab floor, a slot opening formed through a modular saddle mount to receive the retention plate and a fastener. A fourth alternative includes a curved tab extending upward from a modular saddle mount and a slot opening formed through the cab floor to receive the curved tab.

Abstract: A modular saddle mount retained with isolator in a frame for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs preferably includes a heavy equipment modified frame cross member, two modular saddle mounts and at least two vibration isolators. The modified frame cross member includes a frame cross member, two sets of opposed mounting blocks and two cutout filler plates. The two cutout filler plates are secured in first and second cutouts. Each opposed mounting block is secured to an outside of the frame cross member. The modular saddle mount preferably includes a saddle base member and a pair of fastening inserts. A fastening cutout is formed in each end of the saddle base member. The pair of fastening inserts are retained on an inside surface of the saddle base member at opposing ends thereof. At least one isolator opening is formed through the base saddle member to receive a vibration isolator.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic linear ball screw actuator preferably includes an electric motor, a hydraulic tube, an actuator ball screw, a ball nut device, an actuator rod and at least one external hydraulic flow passage. The actuator ball screw is rotated by the electric motor. The ball nut device includes a ball nut base, a piston portion and a rod thread. The ball nut device is retained in the hydraulic tube. The ball nut base includes a plurality of ball bearings, which engage ball threads on the actuator ball screw. The actuator rod is retained on the piston portion. Rotation of the electric motor causes the actuator rod to extend or retract. A first hydraulic chamber is located behind the piston portion and a second hydraulic chamber is located in front of the piston portion. The at least one external hydraulic flow passage transfers hydraulic fluid between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A platform control system for boom lifts preferably includes a control panel, a left joystick and a right joystick. The left joystick includes a plurality of left ON-OFF-ON rocker switches and a plurality of left ON-OFF push button switches. The right joystick includes a plurality of right ON-OFF-ON rocker switches and a plurality of right ON-OFF push button switches. The left and right joysticks can be configured to work on a telescopic boom lift machine as well as on an articulating boom lift machine. The control panel preferably includes a display screen and a screen shroud. The display screen is mounted in a middle of the control panel. The display screen includes a plurality of proceed lights, warning lights and error lights pertaining to the functions of the left and right joysticks. The screen shroud partially covers the display screen to eliminate sun glare.

Abstract: A combination tie down lug and step riser includes a foot support portion, a hold down loop and a mounting portion. The combination tie down lug and step riser is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material. The foot support portion includes a plurality of projections extending upward from a top edge thereof. The hold down loop extends from one end of the foot rest portion. The hold down loop includes a U-shaped opening with the U-shaped opening positioned along a horizontal axis. The mounting portion extends from an opposing end of the foot support portion. Opposing ends of the hold down loop and the mounting portion are attached to an excavator base with welding or any other suitable attachment method.

Abstract: An adaptive joystick preferably includes a rotatable cylinder bar, an outer base ring, an inner ring and an industrial joystick base. An adaptive controller receives an output from the adaptive joystick and outputs a control signal to a valve solenoid to control a hydraulic cylinder. Angle, depth and pressure sensors are preferably used to monitor a position of the hydraulic cylinder. The sensor outputs are fed into the adaptive controller. An inward wrist curl of the rotatable cylinder bar combined with a forearm pull rearward of the outer base ring are used to cause a digging motion. An outward wrist curl of the rotatable cylinder bar combined with a forearm push forward of the outer base ring are used to cause a dumping motion. A hand movement to the left is associated with swinging the excavator left. A hand movement to the right is associated to swinging the excavator right.

Abstract: A joystick having increased control functionality preferably includes an industrial joystick base and a rotary upper handle. The rotary upper handle preferably includes an outer base ring, a rotatable ring, a position sensor and a base portion. The outer base ring extends upward from the base portion. The base portion extends from the industrial joystick base. The rotatable ring is rotatably retained in an inner perimeter of the outer base ring. The position sensor is retained in a sensor cavity formed in an inner perimeter of the outer base ring. The rotatable ring preferably includes a ring portion, a rotatable cylinder bar and a compression spring. A center contact and a peripheral contact are retained in an end of the rotatable cylinder bar and make contact with the position sensor. The motion of the rotatable ring and the rotatable cylinder bar are sent to a ring controller for processing.

Abstract: A hydraulic lockout lever failure detection system preferably includes a first analog sensor, a second analog sensor, at least one electronic control module (ECU) and a solenoid valve. The voltage output level of the first and second analog sensors is monitored by the ECU. The solenoid valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to operate an excavator or other equipment. The operation of the solenoid valve is controlled by the ECU. However, a second ECU may be used to control the operation of the solenoid valve. A hydraulic lockout lever causes the first and second analog sensors to output either a low voltage to indicate a closed position, or to indicate an open position to the ECU. If the first and second analog sensors output a voltage that is above a low set value or above a high set value, a fault is detected.

Abstract: A shimless wear pad preferably includes a wear pad, an adjustment plate and at least one fastener. The wear pad includes a wear surface on a top and a wear tapered surface on a bottom. The wear pad includes at least one counter sunk cavity for retaining a threaded insert for threadably engaging the fastener. The adjustment plate includes an adjustment tapered surface on a top and a support surface on a bottom. An adjustment slot is formed through substantially all of a length of the adjustment plate. The adjustment slot provides clearance for the at least one fastener. The adjustment plate will be mounted between the wear pad and a stationary structure. The wear surface of the wear pad will make contact with a moving surface of a moving structure. The support surface of the adjustment plate makes contact with a retention surface of the stationary structure.

Abstract: An adjustable wear pad with a wear indicator preferably includes a wear pad, a push plate, at least two pushing fasteners, at least two retention fasteners and at least two threaded inserts. The at least two threaded inserts are retained in the wear pad. Each threaded insert threadably receives one of the retention fasteners. The push plate preferably includes a plate member, a hook extension and at least one wear sensor. The hook extension extends from one end of the plate member and the pair of wear sensors extend from an opposing end thereof. A hook pocket is formed in an end of the wear pad to receive the hook extension. At least two retention clearance holes are formed through the plate member. The adjustable wear pad is retained on a stationary structure and the wear pad is in contact with a moving structure.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission shifter preferably includes a first actuator, a second actuator, a shift linkage device, actuator mounting bracket, a programmable controller and a gear shift remote. The shift linkage device includes a mounting base plate, a first transmission shifting bracket, a second transmission shifting bracket and a linkage rod. The linkage rod couples the first and second transmission shifting brackets. The actuation rods of the first and second actuators are pivotally connected to the first and second transmission shifting brackets, respectively. A mounting end of the first and second actuators are retained on the actuator mounting bracket with first and second clevis blocks. The programmable controller receives a signal from a gear selector remote to change a gear in a transmission. The programmable controller also monitors the electrical current sent to the first and second actuators.