Abstract: A manual input device for a machine includes an elongate handle rigidly connected at one end to a frame of a machine and configured to be engaged by a hand of an operator, and a control portion connected to a free end of the elongate handle. The control portion includes a first plurality of control surfaces and a second plurality of control surfaces associated with sensors providing control signals. The first plurality of control surfaces is positioned and oriented relative to the handle portion so it is accessible for interaction by a thumb of the hand of the operator, and the second plurality of control surfaces is positioned and oriented relative to the handle portion so it is accessible for interaction by an index finger of the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A manual input device for a machine includes an elongate handle rigidly connected at one end to a frame of a machine and configured to be engaged by a hand of an operator, and a control portion connected to a free end of the elongate handle. The control portion includes a first plurality of control surfaces and a second plurality of control surfaces associated with sensors providing control signals. The first plurality of control surfaces is positioned and oriented relative to the handle portion so it is accessible for interaction by a thumb of the hand of the operator, and the second plurality of control surfaces is positioned and oriented relative to the handle portion so it is accessible for interaction by an index finger of the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A control system for a machine having traction devices, an implement, and a hydraulic system configured to drive the traction devices and the implement is disclosed. The control system may include a controller in communication with an operator interface and the hydraulic system. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the operator interface to operate the machine according to a first predetermined control pattern, send signals to the to the hydraulic system to control the machine according to the first predetermined control pattern, receive a signal from the operator interface to operate the machine according to a second predetermined control pattern, and send signals to the hydraulic system to control the machine according to the second predetermined control pattern.

Abstract: A control system for a loader having a frame, a lift arm assembly, a coupler, and an operator interface is provided. The control system may include a lift arm position sensor coupled to the lift arm assembly and configured to measure a lift arm position, an inclinometer disposed on the coupler configured to measure a coupler angle, and a controller in electrical communication with each of the lift arm position sensor, the inclinometer and the operator interface. The controller may be configured to receive a baseline command from the operator interface for operating one or more of the lift arm assembly and the coupler, monitor the lift arm position and the coupler angle, and generate at least one command for operating one or more of the lift arm assembly and the coupler based on one or more of the baseline command, the lift arm position and the coupler angle.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder assembly suitable for use in positive displacement machines (10) and capable of minimizing power losses resulting from friction and fluid leakage over a range of operating parameters. The piston (14) is reciprocably disposed within a cylinder (16) having a uniform diameter. The piston (14) has a bearing surface (30) that defines a diametrical clearance with the cylindrical bearing surface of the cylinder (16) of up to about two percent of the cylinder diameter. The diametrical clearance defines a lubrication gap (26) and a hydrodynamic seal between the piston (14) and the cylinder (16). The piston (14) further has alternating crests (34) and valleys (36) defined in a nominally cylindrical shape (28) of its bearing surface (30). The crests (34) and valleys (36) are oriented and spaced on the bearing surface (30) to define a wavy surface form (32) along the entire axial length of the bearing surface (30).