Abstract: A system and method for the controlled lowering and lifting of a load are disclosed. The system and method may include operating a work machine having a hydraulic system including a hydraulic actuator for supporting a load, a first control valve in fluid communication with the actuator, and a controller for operating the first control valve. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first algorithm for operating the first control valve in a load lowering operation. When an operational fault within the hydraulic system is detected, the controller can be configured to enter into a safe lowering mode. In the safe lowering mode, the first algorithm is disabled and a pulse width modulation (PWM) current is sent from the controller to the first control valve. A user interface is provided to allow an operator to control the PWM current duty ratio to allow the load supported by the actuator to be lowered.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic actuator, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic actuator may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first blocking valve prevents the fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from opening the first counter-balance valve. The first blocking valve may drain leakage from the first counter-balance valve.

Abstract: A system and method for the controlled lowering and lifting of a load are disclosed. The system and method may include operating a work machine having a hydraulic system including a hydraulic actuator for supporting a load, a first control valve in fluid communication with the actuator, and a controller for operating the first control valve. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first algorithm for operating the first control valve in a load lowering operation. When an operational fault within the hydraulic system is detected, the controller can be configured to enter into a safe lowering mode. In the safe lowering mode, the first algorithm is disabled and a pulse width modulation (PWM) current is sent from the controller to the first control valve. A user interface is provided to allow an operator to control the PWM current duty ratio to allow the load supported by the actuator to be lowered.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a first and a second chamber. The hydraulic system includes a control valve fluidly connected to the first chamber and a pressure sensor that is configured to measure the fluid pressure in the first chamber. The hydraulic system includes a processing unit connected to the control valve. The processing unit is configured to control a hydraulic fluid flow rate to and from the first chamber of the hydraulic mechanism via the control valve to provide a shock absorption response. The hydraulic fluid flow rate is based at least in part on a pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor. The shock absorption response is based on a simulated hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic cylinder (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), and first and second control valves (700, 800). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic cylinder may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first control valve may apply a holding pressure and thereby hold the first counter-balance valve closed and the second counter-balance valve open.

Abstract: An energy conserving hydraulic system for a mobile work machine includes a prime mover, a drivetrain, a baseline hydraulic system, a power-take-off, a transformer, a work implement, and an accumulator. The drivetrain may include an automated manual transmission (AMT) that is rotationally coupled to the prime mover and the power-take-off. The baseline hydraulic system is powered by the prime mover and includes a first hydraulic circuit. The transformer is hydraulically coupled to second and third hydraulic circuits. The work implement is actuated by an actuator that is adapted to be simultaneously hydraulically coupled to the first and the second hydraulic circuits. The power-take-off is adapted to exchange shaft power with the transmission. A clutch selectively rotationally couples the transmission and the power-take-off. The accumulator is hydraulically coupled to the second hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second independent control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). The actuator includes first and second corresponding chambers. In a first mode, the second counter-balance valve is opened by the first control valve, and the first counter-balance valve is opened by the second control valve. In a second mode, at least one of the counter-balance valves is closed. A meter-out control valve (800, 700) may be operated in a flow control mode, and/or a meter-in control valve (700, 800) may be operated in a pressure control mode. Boom dynamics reduction may occur while the boom is in motion (e.g., about a worksite). By opening the counter-balance valves, sensors at the control valves may be used to characterize external loads.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic actuator, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic actuator may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first blocking valve prevents the fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from opening the first counter-balance valve. The first blocking valve may drain leakage from the first counter-balance valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a load dependent flow control system for directing hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic actuator. The load dependent flow control system includes a closed-center valve device for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator. The closed-center valve device includes a valve spool and an electro-actuator that adjusts a position of the valve spool to adjust a rate of the hydraulic fluid flow supplied to the hydraulic actuator. A pressure sensor is provided for sensing a pressure of the hydraulic fluid provided to the hydraulic actuator. The system also includes an electronic controller configured to receive an operator flow command from an operator interface. The operator flow command corresponds to a base flow through the closed-center valve device. The electronic controller interfaces with the electro-actuator of the closed-center valve device and with the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic actuator, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic actuator may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first blocking valve prevents the fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from opening the first counter-balance valve. The first blocking valve may drain leakage from the first counter-balance valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-commissioning first and second valve assemblies associated with an actuator in an electro-hydraulic system are disclosed. In one method, a controller performs an automatic test protocol to determine a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter used by the controller to control the valve assemblies. In one aspect, the test protocol can include pressurizing each side of the actuator to two different pressures with one of the first and second valve assemblies and blocking the other side of the actuator with the other of the first and second valve assemblies. The bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve assembly can be calculated based on recorded fluid pressures at the actuator and consumed flow at the first and second valve assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic cylinder (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), and first and second control valves (700, 800). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic cylinder may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first control valve may apply a holding pressure and thereby hold the first counter-balance valve closed and the second counter-balance valve open.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-commissioning first and second valve assemblies associated with an actuator in an electro-hydraulic system are disclosed. In one method, a controller performs an automatic test protocol to determine a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter used by the controller to control the valve assemblies. In one aspect, the test protocol can include pressurizing each side of the actuator to two different pressures with one of the first and second valve assemblies and blocking the other side of the actuator with the other of the first and second valve assemblies. The bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve assembly can be calculated based on recorded fluid pressures at the actuator and consumed flow at the first and second valve assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic cylinder (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), and first and second control valves (700, 800). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic cylinder may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first control valve may apply a holding pressure and thereby hold the first counter-balance valve closed and the second counter-balance valve open.

Abstract: A system and method for the controlled lowering and lifting of a load are disclosed. The system and method may include operating a work machine having a hydraulic system including a hydraulic actuator for supporting a load, a first control valve in fluid communication with the actuator, and a controller for operating the first control valve. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first algorithm for operating the first control valve in a load lowering operation. When an operational fault within the hydraulic system is detected, the controller can be configured to enter into a safe lowering mode. In the safe lowering mode, the first algorithm is disabled and a pulse width modulation (PWM) current is sent from the controller to the first control valve. A user interface is provided to allow an operator to control the PWM current duty ratio to allow the load supported by the actuator to be lowered.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a first and a second chamber. The hydraulic system includes a control valve fluidly connected to the first chamber and a pressure sensor that is configured to measure the fluid pressure in the first chamber. The hydraulic system includes a processing unit connected to the control valve. The processing unit is configured to control a hydraulic fluid flow rate to and from the first chamber of the hydraulic mechanism via the control valve to provide a shock absorption response. The hydraulic fluid flow rate is based at least in part on a pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor. The shock absorption response is based on a simulated hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-commissioning first and second valve assemblies associated with an actuator in an electro-hydraulic system are disclosed. In one method, a controller performs an automatic test protocol to determine a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter used by the controller to control the valve assemblies. In one aspect, the test protocol can include pressurizing each side of the actuator to two different pressures with one of the first and second valve assemblies and blocking the other side of the actuator with the other of the first and second valve assemblies. The bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve assembly can be calculated based on recorded fluid pressures at the actuator and consumed flow at the first and second valve assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). A net load (90) is supported by a first chamber (116, 118) of the hydraulic actuator, and a second chamber (118, 116) of the hydraulic actuator may receive fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from the second control valve to produce a vibratory response (950) that counters environmental vibrations (960) on the boom. The first blocking valve prevents the fluctuating hydraulic fluid flow from opening the first counter-balance valve. The first blocking valve may drain leakage from the first counter-balance valve.

Abstract: A system and method for the controlled lowering and lifting of a load are disclosed. The system and method may include operating a work machine having a hydraulic system including a hydraulic actuator for supporting a load, a first control valve in fluid communication with the actuator, and a controller for operating the first control valve. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first algorithm for operating the first control valve in a load lowering operation. When an operational fault within the hydraulic system is detected, the controller can be configured to enter into a safe lowering mode. In the safe lowering mode, the first algorithm is disabled and a pulse width modulation (PWM) current is sent from the controller to the first control valve. A user interface is provided to allow an operator to control the PWM current duty ratio to allow the load supported by the actuator to be lowered.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (600) and method for reducing boom dynamics of a boom (30), while providing counter-balance valve protection, includes a hydraulic actuator (110), first and second counter-balance valves (300, 400), first and second independent control valves (700, 800), and first and second blocking valves (350, 450). The actuator includes first and second corresponding chambers. In a first mode, the second counter-balance valve is opened by the first control valve, and the first counter-balance valve is opened by the second control valve. In a second mode, at least one of the counter-balance valves is closed. A meter-out control valve (800, 700) may be operated in a flow control mode, and/or a meter-in control valve (700, 800) may be operated in a pressure control mode. Boom dynamics reduction may occur while the boom is in motion (e.g., about a worksite). By opening the counter-balance valves, sensors at the control valves may be used to characterize external loads.