Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of the work implement. In addition, the system has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an orientation and a position of the work implement. The system also has at least one ground inclination sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of an inclination of a surface of the ground. Furthermore, the system has a controller configured to automatically adjust the orientation and position of the work implement in response to data received from the at least one sensor and the at least one ground inclination sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a travel course of a machine. The system has a steering system operationally connected to at least one ground engaging device. Additionally, the system has a path generator configured to generate a path along which the machine can travel. The system also has a path tracker configured to automatically regulate the steering system to position the machine within a predetermined vicinity of an initial point on the generated path and guide the machine along the generated path.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a travel course of a machine. The system has a steering system operationally connected to at least one ground engaging device. Additionally, the system has a path generator configured to generate a path along which the machine can travel. The system also has a path tracker configured to automatically regulate the steering system to position the machine within a predetermined vicinity of an initial point on the generated path and guide the machine along the generated path.

Abstract: A method of operating an articulated machine includes sensing an articulation angle and a wheel steering angle of the machine, and controlling a locking state of a differential responsive to a steering radius of the machine. An articulated frame wheeled machine is further provided, and includes a front frame unit with a wheel steering apparatus, a back frame unit and an articulation apparatus coupled between the front and back frame units. First and second sensors are operable to sense a wheel steering angle and an articulation angle of the machine, and an electronic control is provided which is configured to selectively lock or unlock a differential of the back frame unit responsive to a steering radius of the machine.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of a work implement. The system also has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of a position and an orientation of the work implement. Furthermore, the system has a controller configured to automatically create a travel path for the work implement and guide the work implement in response to the data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically modify the travel path when detecting an imminent collision between the work implement and an obstacle.

Abstract: A linkage positioning system for a machine is disclosed. The linkage positioning system has a lock pin, a linkage member having a plurality of holes configured to receive the lock pin, an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lock pin, and a control module in communication with the actuator. The control module is configured to receive a request for lock pin engagement with the linkage member, and retract the lock pin from a first of the plurality of holes in the linkage member. The control module is also configured to move the linkage member to align a second of the plurality of holes with the lock pin, and extend the lock pin into the second of the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of the work implement. In addition, the system has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an orientation and a position of the work implement. The system also has at least one ground inclination sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of an inclination of a surface of the ground.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of a work implement. The system also has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of a position and an orientation of the work implement. Furtherrnore, the system has a controller configured to automatically create a travel path for the work implement and guide the work implement in response to the data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically modify the travel path when detecting an imminent collision between the work implement and an obstacle.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a travel course of a machine. The system has a steering system operationally connected to at least one ground engaging device. Additionally, the system has a path generator configured to generate a path along which the machine can travel. The system also has a path tracker configured to automatically regulate the steering system to position the machine within a predetermined vicinity of an initial point on the generated path and guide the machine along the generated path.

Abstract: A method of controlling an input device is disclosed. A deadband is generated about a first position when the input device is at the first position. The input device is moved from the first position to one or more additional positions. The deadband width is varied based on the position of the input device.

Abstract: A method of operating an articulated work machine includes sensing an articulation angle in a wheel steering angle of the work machine, and controlling a locking state of a differential responsive to a steering radius of the work machine. An articulated frame wheeled work machine is further provided, and includes a front frame unit with a wheel steering apparatus, a back frame unit and an articulation apparatus coupled between the front and back frame units. First and second sensors are operable to sense a wheel steering angle and an articulation angle of the work machine, and an electronic control is provided which is configured to selectively lock or unlock a differential of the back frame unit responsive to a steering radius of the work machine.

Abstract: A linkage positioning system for a machine is disclosed. The linkage positioning system has a lock pin, a linkage member having a plurality of holes configured to receive the lock pin, an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lock pin, and a control module in communication with the actuator. The control module is configured to receive a request for lock pin engagement with the linkage member, and retract the lock pin from a first of the plurality of holes in the linkage member. The control module is also configured to move the linkage member to align a second of the plurality of holes with the lock pin, and extend the lock pin into the second of the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A method of controlling an input device is disclosed. A deadband is generated about a first position when the input device is at the first position. The input device is moved from the first position to one or more additional positions. The deadband width is varied based on the position of the input device.

Abstract: A control system having a floating deadband control includes an input device moveable from a first position to a second position. In addition, the control system includes a controller configured to automatically generate a first electronically defined deadband about the first position when the input device is at the first position and configured to automatically generate a second electronically defined deadband about the second position when the input device is at the second position.

Abstract: A method for processing control signals of a multi-axis joystick. The method may include processing a first control signal corresponding to movement in a first direction of the joystick and processing a second control signal corresponding to movement in a second direction of the joystick. The method may also include determining a first residue signal based on interference characteristics of the multi-axis joystick and the first and second control signals and generating a first desired control signal corresponding to the first control signal by subtracting the first residue signal from the first control signal.

Abstract: A control system having a floating deadband control includes an input device moveable from a first position to a second position. In addition, the control system includes a controller configured to automatically generate a first electronically defined deadband about the first position when the input device is at the first position and configured to automatically generate a second electronically defined deadband about the second position when the input device is at the second position.

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 method and apparatus for controlling a direction of travel of an earthworking machine having an earthworking implement. The method and apparatus includes determining a desired heading of the machine, determining an actual heading of the machine, determining a straight line path for the machine as a function of the desired heading, determining a deviation of the actual heading from the desired heading, determining a desired tilt angle of the implement as a function of the deviation, and controlling the tilt angle of the implement to the desired tilt angle and responsively steering the machine on the straight line path.