Abstract: A loader of the type controlled with an electronic digital controller is disclosed herein. The loader may include conventional mechanical component. However, the hydraulic valve is electronically controlled to provide improved motion control. In particular, the operator controls the loader with a two-axis joystick. When the joystick is moved left or right, the bucket is rolled at a speed proportional to the rate of change of the joystick position and independent of the loader arms. When the joystick is moved forward or backwards, the loader arms of the bucket are raised or lowered. When the joystick is only moved forward or backward with substantially no component of motion left or right, the controller rolls the bucket to maintain a substantially constant angle between the bucket and the surface upon which the loader is operating.

Abstract: A sensor system for use on drilling equipment to detect the presence of high voltages during horizontal or vertical drilling and providing an alarm signal corresponding to one of three possibilities: (1) the drilling tool hitting a high voltage line; (2) the drilling tool remaining in contact after hitting the high voltage line; and (3) an exposed or damaged high voltage line in close proximity to the drilling implement. The sensor system detects alternating current, converts the alternating current signal to a pseudo square waveform signal, compares the magnitude of the square waveform signal with a reference voltage, and sounds an alarm if the magnitude of the square waveform signal exceeds the reference voltage. The sensor system also incorporates a self-test circuit which allows an operator to check its functionality before use. The operator can also check the sensor at any time during drilling process.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a piston moveable within a cylinder, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter/receiver unit. The EM bursts are launched by the transmitter via a focusing antenna assembly from an end of the cylinder housing towards the piston. The fluid in the cylinder housing is in electrical communication with the piston such that a surface of the piston represents an electrical impedance discontinuity which causes the EM bursts to be reflected back to the receiver. The time for the EM bursts to travel from the transmitter to the piston and for the reflections to travel back to the receiver via the antenna assembly is determined and converted into a position signal representing the piston's position. A compensation signal can be used to compensate the position signal for variations in a parameter of the fluid within the cylinder.

Abstract: An anti-stall and bias control for a hydrostatic drive train system is disclosed. The system is used on a hydrostatic drive vehicle with an engine coupled to a first and second hydraulic pump. The first and second hydraulic pumps are coupled to first and second drive motors which drive wheels of the vehicle. The power to the drive motors is controlled by a control unit which output signals proportional to the desired power output from the motors. An engine speed sensor determines the speed of the engine. The control circuit reads the engine speed and determines whether the engine is in a stall condition. If the engine is in a stall condition, the control circuit scales the control signals of the first and second motor to reduce power output. A bias control is also provided to allow the vehicle operator to select greater relative power to either the first or second motor. The bias control outputs a bias signal which is read by the control unit.

Abstract: A system for communicating information relating to a geographical area includes a circuit for determining the location of a vehicle within a geographical area and for receiving and processing message information relevant to the geographical area. The system further includes a communication device for communicating both the location and message information to an operator of the vehicle. The location and message information may be further correlated with characteristics sampled at various locations within the geographical area.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a piston moveable within a cylinder, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter/receiver unit. The EM bursts are launched by the transmitter along a transmission guide from an end of the cylinder housing towards the piston. The transmission guide can be a dipstick mounted within the cylinder housing or the cylinder housing itself. The dipstick or cylinder housing is in electrical communication with the piston such that a surface of the piston represents an electrical impedance discontinuity which causes the EM bursts to be reflected back to the receiver. The time for the EM bursts to travel from the transmitter to the piston and for the reflections to travel back to the receiver is determined and converted into a position signal representing the piston's position.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a piston moveable within a cylinder, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter/receiver unit. The EM bursts are launched by the transmitter along a transmission guide from an end of the cylinder housing towards the piston. The transmission guide can be a dipstick mounted within the cylinder housing or the cylinder housing itself. The dipstick or cylinder housing is in electrical communication with the piston such that a surface of the piston represents an electrical impedance discontinuity which causes the EM bursts to be reflected back to the receiver. The time for the EM bursts to travel from the transmitter to the piston and for the reflections to travel back to the receiver is determined and converted into a position signal representing the piston's position.

Abstract: A control system for improving the roadability of a wheeled excavator is disclosed herein. The excavator is the type including an implement such as a bucket or backhoe which is moved relative to the excavator by hydraulic actuators. Hydraulic fluid is applied to the actuators via electronic valves which are controlled by an electronic controller. Based upon acceleration of the vehicle, the electronic controller controls the electronic valve to maintain fluid pressure in the actuator or the acceleration substantially constant. Additionally the controller can be configured to maintain the average position of the implement generally constant. By controlling the pressure in the hydraulic actuator, the undesirable bouncing or pitching of the excavator can be reduced when the vehicle is traveling at road or loading speeds.

Abstract: A control system for improving the roadability of a wheeled excavator is disclosed herein. The excavator is the type including an implement such as a bucket or backhoe which is moved relative to the excavator by hydraulic actuators. Hydraulic fluid is applied to the actuators via electronic valves which are controlled by an electronic controller. Based upon acceleration of the vehicle, the electronic controller controls the electronic valve to maintain fluid pressure in the actuator or the acceleration substantially constant. Additionally, the controller can be configured to maintain the average position of the implement generally constant. By controlling the pressure in the hydraulic actuator, the undesirable bouncing or pitching of the excavator can be reduced when the vehicle is traveling at road or loading speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic voltage controller for an electrostatic precipitator. The invention maintains a database of operating parameters, such as the firing angle of the silicon controlled rectifiers, during previous breakdowns. The data is used for statistical analysis of the process conditions of the precipitator, enabling the invention to more accurately predict the breakdown level of the system, and providing tolerance of erratic or atypical breakdowns. The invention assembles a "rolling" data set of a predetermined number of previous breakdowns from which the invention continuously extracts a mean value and a standard deviation value, which are used to determine the setback level and the ramp level.

Abstract: A proximity detection system for determining the distance between a vehicle and a navigation beacon by resolving the altitude angle between the beacon and the vehicle and determining the distance between them. The system then defines an optimum distance between the beacon and the vehicle and compares the determined distance and the optimum distance to establish any difference between them.