Abstract: A method of determining payload material density includes a step of determining a capacity volume of a work tool of a machine using an electronic controller of the machine. The work tool is loaded with an initial amount of loaded material matching the capacity volume, and an onboard payload mass calculation algorithm is executed using the electronic controller to determine a mass of the initial amount of loaded material. A density of the initial amount of loaded material is calculated responsive to the mass of the initial amount of loaded material and the capacity volume using the electronic controller. The density of the initial amount of loaded material is stored using the electronic controller, and a productivity datum is calculated responsive to the density of the initial amount of loaded material and a subsequent amount of loaded material.

Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to left and right front and rear wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a weight distribution of the machine across the wheels, and generate a parameter signal corresponding to the operating parameter. A control unit determines the weight distribution across the wheels as a function of the parameter signal, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the weight distribution. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the weight distribution.

Abstract: A kinetic energy system incorporates multiple flywheels, each flywheel situated and adapted to develop and store kinetic energy, and to subsequently impart that energy to move a work machine. Each flywheel is controlled by an ECM to operate in a selective sequence with respect to any of the other flywheels. Each flywheel has its own individual external gear and clutch unit adapted to be in communication with a commonly shared continuously variable transmission. The plurality of flywheels may be operated sequentially to develop, store, and dispense kinetic energy equivalently to that of a substantially larger unitary flywheel. In the disclosed embodiment and method of operation, the flywheel system may be employed with a traditional internal combustion engine to produce a hybrid motive source, with capability for effectively meeting transient load demands of an off-road work machine.

Abstract: A method of determining payload material density includes a step of determining a capacity volume of a work tool of a machine using an electronic controller of the machine. The work tool is loaded with an initial amount of loaded material matching the capacity volume, and an onboard payload mass calculation algorithm is executed using the electronic controller to determine a mass of the initial amount of loaded material. A density of the initial amount of loaded material is calculated responsive to the mass of the initial amount of loaded material and the capacity volume using the electronic controller. The density of the initial amount of loaded material is stored using the electronic controller, and a productivity datum is calculated responsive to the density of the initial amount of loaded material and a subsequent amount of loaded material.

Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to left and right front and rear wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a weight distribution of the machine across the wheels, and generate a parameter signal corresponding to the operating parameter. A control unit determines the weight distribution across the wheels as a function of the parameter signal, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the weight distribution. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the weight distribution.

Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to the wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a work cycle step being performed by the machine. A control unit determines the work cycle step being performed as a function of the value of the parameter, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the work cycle step. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the work cycle step being performed.

Abstract: A final drive gearbox is described. The final drive gearbox is a double reduction gearbox for off-road machines, which, unlike currently available double reduction gearboxes, contains no planetary gear sets. The final drive gearbox contains spur gears having pockets adapted to contain brake disc packs. The pockets may permit utilization of a plurality of brake packs within the gearbox without requiring additional space or enlargement of the gearbox housing. Use of spur gears may thus enable use of fewer gear parts, while use of multiple brake packs may enhance final drive brake capacity, improve longevity of the brake packs, and lengthen brake servicing cycles.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

Abstract: Flywheel diagnostic systems and methods may be advantageously employed on machines having flywheel assemblies to preserve the integrity of the flywheel and/or related components in the event of a malfunction. Feedback regarding flywheel or machine operating parameters may be used to determine the possibility of a malfunction. Remedial actions may be taken in response to the indication of a possible malfunction. For example, a cooling system may be operated to reduce the temperature of the flywheel, thereby to preserve flywheel integrity. Additionally or alternatively, the flywheel may be coupled to a CVT to actively slow flywheel rotation. For other malfunctions, the flywheel may be disengaged from the CVT to prevent damage to flywheel components that may result from further overspeeding of the flywheel.

Abstract: An engine exhaust heat recovery system includes an engine exhaust heat conduit that interacts with a two-phase fluid that exists in liquid and gaseous states within a single closed loop. A first heat exchanger, which may be a boiler, interfaces with and receives heat from the engine exhaust conduit. Exhaust heat energy converts the fluid from the liquid state into the gaseous state for transfer into a heat expander situated downstream of the first heat exchanger. The heat expander utilizes the gaseous heat energy to rotate a flywheel, and a system of clutches is situated and adapted to permit the flywheel to transfer mechanical energy for subsequent, selective production of work upon demand. In one disclosed embodiment, the heat expander may be a high-speed turbine with a rotary power shaft coupled to a transmission and a plurality of clutches adapted to engage and actuate the flywheel.

Abstract: A kinetic energy system incorporates multiple flywheels, each flywheel situated and adapted to develop and store kinetic energy, and to subsequently impart that energy to move a work machine. Each flywheel is controlled by an ECM to operate in a selective sequence with respect to any of the other flywheels. Each flywheel has its own individual external gear and clutch unit adapted to be in communication with a commonly shared continuously variable transmission. The plurality of flywheels may be operated sequentially to develop store, and dispense kinetic energy equivalently to that of a substantially larger unitary flywheel. In the disclosed embodiment and method of operation, the flywheel system may be employed with a traditional internal combustion engine to produce a hybrid motive source, with capability for effectively meeting transient load demands of an off-road work machine.

Abstract: A system for mapping terrain using at least one machine traveling along the terrain includes at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to determine a plurality of machine parameters of the at least one machine as the at least one machine travels along the terrain. The plurality of machine parameters include a steering parameter and a speed of a component of the at least one machine. The at least one controller is also configured to determine, based on the determined machine parameters, a geometry and a grade of at least one path on the terrain along which the at least one machine travels. The at least one controller is further configured to create, based on the determined geometry and grade, a map indicating the at least one path.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

Abstract: An improved final drive is disclosed. The axle includes a double reduction gearbox for off-road machines, which, unlike currently available double reduction gearboxes, contains no planetary gear sets. The improved drive axle contains spur gears having pockets adapted to contain brake disc packs. The pockets may permit utilization of a plurality of brake packs within the gearbox without requiring additional space or enlargement of the gearbox housing. Use of spur gears may thus enable use of fewer gear parts, while use of multiple brake packs may enhance final drive brake capacity, improve longevity of the brake packs, and lengthen brake servicing cycles.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

Abstract: A hybrid system for a machine is disclosed. The system has a pump configured to generate fluid flow within a hydraulic system and a first actuator actuated by fluid pressurized by the pump. The system also has a first motor configured to be selectively actuated by pressurized fluid directed from the first actuator by an external load and directed to the first motor by a first control valve. The system further has a first generator configured to be actuated by the first motor and a power source configured to actuate the pump. The system also has a powertrain including a first driveshaft and at least one traction device, the powertrain configured to transfer kinetic energy from the traction device to the first driveshaft during deceleration of the machine. The system further has a second generator configured to be selectively actuated by the kinetic energy transferred by the powertrain.

Abstract: A hybrid system for a machine is disclosed. The system has a pump configured to generate fluid flow within a hydraulic system and a first actuator actuated by fluid pressurized by the pump. The system also has a first motor configured to be selectively actuated by pressurized fluid directed from the first actuator by an external load and directed to the first motor by a first control valve. The system further has a first generator configured to be actuated by the first motor and a power source configured to actuate the pump. The system also has a powertrain including a first driveshaft and at least one traction device, the powertrain configured to transfer kinetic energy from the traction device to the first driveshaft during deceleration of the machine. The system further has a second generator configured to be selectively actuated by the kinetic energy transferred by the powertrain.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain is provided. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain has an engine. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain also has at least one pump/motor assembly operatively associated with the engine. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain further has an accumulator fluidly coupled to the at least one pump/motor assembly. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain further still has a reservoir fluidly coupled to the at least one pump/motor assembly. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain also has a heat exchanger associated with the accumulator and the heat exchanger is configured to receive exhaust from the engine.

Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing rolls of paper includes a housing which has a top, a bottom, a rear and a front side for holding a predetermined number of vertically stacked rolls of paper. A pair of substantially parallel arms extend outwardly from the housing on opposite side of an opening at the bottom for receiving a roll-holding spindle therebetween. An intermediate movable support bar is spaced from the rear of the housing in a first position, and is located above the opening in the bottom of the housing. The support bar is movable to a second position adjacent the rear of the housing against the bias of a spring to cause an angled member to rotate beneath a roll of paper above one supported on the support bar, whereupon the lowermost roll of paper previously supported on the support bar drops to the bottom of the housing for removal from the opening at the bottom.