Abstract: A machine control system may include a machine mounted stereo imaging apparatus configured to provide a 3-D model indicative of a terrain feature. The machine control system may also include a control module configured to process the 3-D model, and automatically perform an operation with a work tool based on the characteristics of the 3-D model.

Abstract: A method of increasing efficiency and avoiding or reducing potential stall conditions is accomplished by configuring a ripper of a track type tractor responsive to a net force vector acting on the ripper. The net force vector is indicative of the various forces and pressures acting on the ripper, and the values indicative of these forces can be sensed. For instance, the force and value indicative of the force magnitude can be sensed by monitoring driveline torque, whereas the force vector angle can be derived from ripper tilt and lift actuator pressures. The ripper is configured responsive to the force vector magnitude and direction either via a control algorithm, or by inputs generated by an operator.

Abstract: A machine track system includes a track with track shoes each having a footprint, and a ground contact area equal to the footprint, the track shoes being coupled together by a total of two track chains. A first rail and a second rail are located between first and second outboard edges of each of the track shoes, such that track rollers roll directly on the track shoes. The track chains are spaced outboard of the rails, and a guide block configured to engage with an idler and a drive sprocket is positioned between the respective rails. A sprocket and idler for use with the track system includes removable track contacting segments having pockets configured to receive the guide blocks for driving and guiding the track.

Abstract: A machine control system may include a machine mounted stereo imaging apparatus configured to provide a 3-D model indicative of a terrain feature. The machine control system may also include a control module configured to process the 3-D model, and automatically perform an operation with a work tool based on the characteristics of the 3-D model.

Abstract: A worksite preparation method includes moving a compactor machine across at least one region of a worksite, and sensing values indicative of a compaction response of work material in a compacted region. The method also includes generating a machine traffic plan in real time responsive to the sensed values, outputting control signals corresponding to the machine traffic plan and taking a worksite fill action responsive to the control signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a work implement attached to a work machine. The method and apparatus includes delivering a lift command to a hydraulic lift circuit, diverting a portion of the lift command to a hydraulic tilt circuit, and responsively tilting the work implement to a rack-back position in cooperation with lifting the work implement.

Abstract: An angular velocity control for a boom of a machine is disclosed and a method for controlling the angular velocity of a boom of a machine. The angular velocity control includes a calculator that detects input signals from an operator control lever, a boom angle sensor, a cylinder length sensor, a chassis cant sensor, and a chassis tilt sensor. Movement of the operator control lever allows an operator to pre-select a desired angular velocity. Based on the geometry of the boom to the machine the calculator calculates a boom gain associated with the current boom angle. The calculator then calculates a necessary cylinder velocity to achieve the desired angular velocity. The calculator sends a control signal to an electrohydraulic control module which in turn sends a signal to an electrohydraulic valve associated with a boom lift cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a work implement attached to a work machine. The method and apparatus includes delivering a lift command to a hydraulic lift circuit, diverting a portion of the lift command to a hydraulic tilt circuit, and responsively tilting the work implement to a rack-back position in cooperation with lifting the work implement.

Abstract: A boom control apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling a boom of a machine. The boom control apparatus includes a boom angle sensor, a boom length sensor, a chassis pitch angle sensor, a chassis roll angle sensor, and a control lever. All of the sensors generate signals associated with the values of their measured parameters. Movement of the control lever along a first axis generates a first pivot velocity signal for a desired pivot velocity of the boom. Movement of the control lever along a second axis generates a first telescoping velocity signal for a desired telescoping velocity of the boom. An electrohydraulic control module detects the signals from the sensors and the control lever. The electrohydraulic control module generates a second pivot velocity signal or a second telescoping velocity signal. The second signals are directly proportional to the first signals and inversely proportional to the signals generated by the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing coordinated control of a work implement of a work machine. The implement includes a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion, with the first end portion pivotally connected to the frame and the second end portion pivotally connected to a load-engaging member. The apparatus includes a position sensor adapted for providing a position signal, and an input device adapted for delivering a desired velocity signal indicative of the desired velocity of the load-engaging member. The desired velocity includes a desired angular velocity and a desired linear velocity. The apparatus receives the position signal and the desired velocity signal, and determines an actual path of travel of the load-engaging member, and a desired path of travel of the load-engaging member. The apparatus further modifies the desired angular velocity and the desired linear velocity in response to a deviation between the actual and desired paths of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling inflation pressure of at least one pneumatic wheel on a machine is disclosed. This includes determining a ground speed or ground acceleration of the machine and determining a rotational velocity or rotational acceleration of a drivetrain for the machine as well as adjusting the inflation pressure in response to a relationship between the ground speed of the machine and the rotational velocity of the drivetrain for the machine or the ground acceleration of the machine and rotational acceleration of the drivetrain for the machine. The temperature of and weight load applied to pneumatic wheel can also be utilized in altering the inflation pressure of the pneumatic wheel. This data may be stored and inflation pressure of at least one pneumatic wheel may be controlled based on this previously stored data.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method for determining a path or series of paths at a work site for a mobile machine capable of operating autonomously or semi-autonomously is provided. The present invention determines a series of rows that are substantially parallel to the machine's heading. The width of the rows is based on the width of the path worked by one or more of the machine's work implements. The work site is bounded by three or more corner points and the perimeter of the work site is defined by boundary lines connecting the corner points. A first line substantially perpendicular to the machine's heading is calculated starting at an initial corner point and ending at a terminal point along the line having a distance approximately equal to the width of the path. A second line parallel to the machine's heading and passing through the terminal point is determined.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for transitioning a mobile machine from a first path to a second path within a work area includes selecting from among one or more transition schemes, wherein the transitions schemes are composed of one or more interim paths between the first path and the second path. The desired transition scheme is chosen by evaluating one or more performance criteria including whether the interim paths overshoot the second path and whether the interim paths remain within a perimeter surrounding the work area. Additional performance criteria that may be evaluated include the number of interim paths the mobile machine must follow to transition from the end of the first path to the beginning of the second path, the number of heading changes required by the candidate transition scheme, and the amount of the first path and the second path that is traversed by the mobile machine as a result of the candidate transition scheme.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus are disclosed for dynamically determining the efficiency of blast design parameters at a mine site from measured machine loader characteristics whereby a microprocessor system receives signals indicative of power train and work implement linkage measurements and develops diggability ratio indices therefrom to ascertain the blast design efficiency.

Abstract: Most existing noise reduction enclosures used with engines and engine driven equipment have failed to meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future. A few of the present enclosures meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future but are extremely expensive to purchase and are large bulky structures. The subject enclosure (10) is reasonably priced and provides an enclosure which is effective in reducing the noise emitted therefrom. The enclosure (10) includes a housing (32) having a generally rectangular configuration and being divided into an engine portion (56) defining an engine compartment (57) and a duct portion (54). The outlet ducts (88) having a length greater than the inlet ducts (84). To further enhance the noise reduction of the enclosure (10) a plurality of dynastic hardware is attached to the housing (32).

Abstract: An integrated Marx generator circuit is constructed in one assembly from a housing with two oil-filled cavities. First and second capacitors each include two sets of spaced apart capacitor plates. The first and second capacitors are formed in the separate cavities. The space between the capacitor plates are filled with oil and insulating material. A set of four spark gap switches control the charging and discharging of the generator circuit.

Abstract: Most existing noise reduction enclosures used with engines and engine driven equipment have failed to meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future. A few of the present enclosures meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future but are extremely expensive to purchase and are large bulky structures. The subject enclosure (10) is reasonably priced and provides an enclosure which is effective in reducing the noise emitted therefrom. The enclosure (10) includes a housing (32) having a generally rectangular configuration and being divided into an engine portion (56) defining an engine compartment (57) and a duct portion (54). The outlet ducts (88) having a length greater than the inlet ducts (84). To further enhance the noise reduction of the enclosure (10) a plurality of dynastic hardware is attached to the housing (32).

Abstract: A switch includes a housing forming a cavity, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode has an inner surface having a generally circular cross-section perpendicular to an axis and extending along the cavity in a first direction along the axis, forming a hollow tube. The second electrode has a generally circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis and extending into the cavity in a second direction along the axis. The second electrode extends at least partially into the hollow tube formed by the first electrode.

Abstract: An integral connector for a piezoelectric solid state motor stack having a plurality of ceramic disks interleaved with electrodes. Lead wires connect the electrodes to a source of electrical potential. A housing, for containing the motor stack, includes a connector body mounted to one end portion of the housing. A plurality of contact pins mounted to the connector body are adapted to be connected to the source of electrical potential. A structure defines a path for guiding the lead wires between the contact pins and the electrodes, wherein the lead wires exit the combination of the ceramic disks and electrodes along first and second parallel longitudinal axes separated by a first distance, and attach to the pins which are located along third and forth parallel longitudinal axes separated by a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.