Abstract: A joystick assembly that provides enhanced operator control and stability during rough operation by being primarily rotatable about a vertical axis of a clockspring. The joystick assembly also includes a palm support that is associated with the clockspring via a clamp in the lower housing of the palm support. Further, the joystick assembly has an interface device that includes at least one input device that is conveniently actuated by an operator's thumb.

Abstract: A joystick assembly that provides enhanced operator control and stability during rough operation by being primarily rotatable about a vertical axis of a clockspring. The joystick assembly also includes a palm support that is associated with the clockspring via a clamp in the lower housing of the palm support. Further, the joystick assembly has an interface device that includes at least one input device that is conveniently actuated by an operator's thumb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parameter of at least one signal. The method and apparatus includes receiving a desired command signal from at least one control input, determining a potential condition for receiving an undesired command signal from at least one other control input, activating a desired command as a function of the desired command signal, and controlling a parameter of a signal from the at least one other control input in response to the potential condition.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the blade of a motor grader to an operator programmed blade position. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller and blade controls having position sensors; monitoring the output of the position sensors to ascertain the position of the blade controls; receiving a first input signal for setting a memory blade position; determining the memory blade position based on the output of the position sensors; receiving a second input signal for requesting the memory blade position; determining the present blade position based on the output of the position sensors; and producing a control signal for actuating the blade controls to move the blade from the present blade position to the memory blade position.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand control is disclosed. The hand control includes a joystick that is moveable along a plurality of axes and movement of the joystick along any of the axes transmits an electronic input signal to an electronic control computer for controlling a plurality of motor grader functions. A second end of the joystick includes a finger rest and a series of ledges that are separated from each other by a riser. Mounted on each ledge is a switch. Movement of the switches along any of a plurality of axes is used to control one of a number of motor grader functions through the electronic control computer. The design of the hand control permits an operator to properly position a hand on the hand control without requiring the operator to look at the hand control.

Abstract: A method for automatically rotating a motor grader to a predetermined articulation angle. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, a displacement sensor, articulation cylinders, and an input switch; obtaining information from the displacement sensor indicating the present articulation angle of the motor grader; receiving an input signal from the input switch requesting a predetermined articulation angle; and producing a control signal for actuating the articulation cylinders to rotate the motor grader from the present articulation angle to the predetermined articulation angle.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically moving the blade of a motor grader from a present blade position to a mirror image position. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and an input switch; obtaining information from the position sensors indicating the position of the blade controls; determining the present blade position; receiving an input signal from the input switch requesting a mirror image position; calculating the mirror image position of the present blade position; and producing a control signal for actuating the blade controls to move the blade from the present blade position to the mirror image position.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the position of a motor grader blade relative to a motor grader frame. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and frame controls having position sensors; monitoring the output of the position sensors to ascertain the position of the blade controls and the frame controls; receiving an input signal requesting a repositioning of the blade or the frame; determining the present blade position and the present frame position; calculating a future blade position and a future frame position based on the repositioning request; predicting an intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position; and producing an action to prevent the intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position.

Abstract: An adjustable control assembly includes a plurality of control members. The control members preferably include moveable portions such as levers that are manipulable to accomplish a desired operation of heavy duty machinery such as construction equipment, for example. The control members are supported on support plates that are pivotally moveable relative to each other about a single pivot axis. A locking mechanism is provided to selectively lock the support plates into a chosen position relative to each other. By adjusting the positions of the support plates, a variety of operator needs and preferences are readily accommodated providing effective and efficient access to the control members.

Abstract: A hand-operated dual joystick for a motor grader is disclosed. The dual joystick comprises a first joystick having a ledge and a switch, and a second joystick that is significantly smaller than the first joystick. The second joystick is mounted to the ledge of the first joystick. The first joystick is moveable along a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular to each other. In addition, the first joystick is rotatable about a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis. The second joystick is moveable along the first axis and the second axis. Movement of the first joystick and the second joystick is used to control a plurality of motor grader functions. The dual function joystick permits an operator to control a plurality of the motor grader functions from a single location thus reducing operator fatigue.

Abstract: A motor grader vehicle control apparatus is provided including first and second joystick assemblies for controlling a blade and vehicle drive and steering systems. Additional control mechanisms are included on the joystick assemblies to provide further control of the blade and vehicle systems. Movement of the joystick assemblies correspond to operations of the blade and vehicles systems in an ergonomic and intuitive manner.

Abstract: A dual steering system for controlling the steering of a motor grader is disclosed. The first portion of the steering system comprises a steering wheel connected through a hydraulic steering valve to hydraulic right and left steering cylinders, which are connected to the right front tire and left front tire, respectively. Rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the front tires. A second portion of the steering system comprises a first button and a second button that are mounted to a control lever. Actuation of the first button sends a first electrical input signal and actuation of the second button sends a second electrical input signal to an electronic control computer. The electronic control computer generates control signals in response to the electrical input signals and transmits these control signals to a plurality of electro-hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A lever bank for implement controls on large construction or agricultural vehicles has a "home" position for operation of the levers. One of the levers has a handle which is larger than the handles of the other levers. This large handle provides a rest position for the operator such that the operator will know the location of the other handles relative to this one handle. The operator may thus rest a hand on this one lever, and know where the other levers are relative to the one lever without looking away from the direction of movement of the vehicle. This simplifies operation of the vehicle.