Abstract: A system for automatically moving a stabilizer of a work vehicle is disclosed. A joystick is connected to an electronic controller, which in turn, is connected to valve drivers to drive stabilizer raising and lowering valves. In one mode of operation, the controller is programmed to move the stabilizers up or down at a rate that is proportional to the deflection of the joystick from a neutral position. If the operator holds the joystick in a certain position or range of positions, the controller enters a second mode in which it automatically raises the stabilizers even if the joystick is released. The stabilizer can be placed in a third mode of operation by moving the joystick rapidly back and forth. When the operator does this, the controller is configured to reduce the ramp rate or damping of its response to joystick movement.

Abstract: A system for automatically moving a stabilizer of a work vehicle is disclosed. A joystick is connected to an electronic controller, which in turn, is connected to valve drivers to drive stabilizer raising and lowering valves. In one mode of operation, the controller is programmed to move the stabilizers up or down at a rate that is proportional to the deflection of the joystick from a neutral position. If the operator holds the joystick in a certain position or range of positions, the controller enters a second mode in which it automatically raises the stabilizers even if the joystick is released. The stabilizer can be placed in a third mode of operation by moving the joystick rapidly back and forth. When the operator does this, the controller is configured to reduce the ramp rate or damping of its response to joystick movement.

Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.

Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.

Abstract: A method of automatically setting an auxiliary hydraulic valve's flow rate and returning to that flow rate automatically is disclosed. The work vehicle such as a backhoe has two hand controls, one of which has a button, and the other has a thumb wheel. To set the hydraulic flow rate, one both presses the button one hand control and moves the thumb wheel on the other hand control until the proper flow rate is reached. At this point, both button and thumb wheel are released. This causes the flow rate to be saved in RAM or ROM memory. The flow rate can be varied at any time by rolling the thumb wheel up or down. One can return to the previously save flow rate by pressing the button. Both controls are preferably spring loaded.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.

Abstract: A method of automatically setting an auxiliary hydraulic valve's flow rate and returning to that flow rate automatically is disclosed. The work vehicle such as a backhoe has two hand controls, one of which has a button, and the other has a thumb wheel. To set the hydraulic flow rate, one both presses the button one hand control and moves the thumb wheel on the other hand control until the proper flow rate is reached. At this point, both button and thumb wheel are released. This causes the flow rate to be saved in RAM or ROM memory. The flow rate can be varied at any time by rolling the thumb wheel up or down. One can return to the previously save flow rate by pressing the button. Both controls are preferably spring loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the ride of a load carrying vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor, a controller, and an adjustable accumulator assembly. The sensor measures a load on a load holding hydraulic circuit. The controller is operatively connected to the adjustable accumulator assembly. The controller is capable of adjusting the precharge pressure in the accumulator in response to the load measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame, an excavating apparatus movably secured to the frame, an operator's station, and a control system. The excavating apparatus includes a material engaging member and a plurality of actuators having positions for positioning the material engaging member with respect to the frame. The control system controls the positions of the plurality of actuators and thereby the position of the material engaging member. The controls system includes a plurality of manual operator input devices, an operator presence sensor, a control circuit, and an override device. The plurality of manual operator input devices are located at the operator station for providing material engaging member position commands. The operator presence sensor is configured to generate an operator presence signal.

Abstract: A rotary fluid swivel for use with a cab heating system of a large construction vehicle is disclosed. The cab of the vehicle may be rotated through 360 degrees with respect to the vehicle frame. The cab heating system utilizes heated fluid from an engine mounted within the frame. The heated fluid must pass into the cab to heat the cab and must then be returned back to the engine. The rotary fluid swivel consists of a first fixed boss portion extending upwardly from the vehicle frame and a second spindle portion mounted to the cab. The spindle portion is rotatable about the boss portion and includes several channels. The boss portion includes a central conduit for passage of fluid from the engine to the cab heating unit and an outer conduit for return of the fluid to the engine.