Abstract: A device for controlling an electro-hydraulic differential steering system of a work machine. A first processing device receives a first signal indicative of a desired steering path, a second signal indicative of a ground speed, a third signal indicative of an engine speed, and a fourth signal indicative of a gage. The first processing device transmits a fifth signal as a function of the first, second, third, and fourth signals, the fifth signal being indicative of a desired pump displacement of the steering system. A second processing device receives a sixth signal indicative of a motor speed of the steering system, and the third signal. The second processing device transmits a seventh signal as a function of the third and sixth signals, the seventh signal being indicative of an actual pump displacement of the steering system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving an implement is provided. The implement is connected to a work machine and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator. The apparatus includes a joystick with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The apparatus senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates a joystick position signal. The joystick maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The apparatus senses the position of the work implement with respect to the work machine. The apparatus provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator in response to a magnitude of an electrical valve signal.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and method for calibrating an electrohydraulic system is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a hydraulic valve that is responsive to an electrical valve signal controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to a hydraulic actuator. A position sensor senses the position of the hydraulic actuator and responsively produces an actuator position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the actuator position signal and determines when the hydraulic actuator begins movement, and associates the magnitude of the electrical valve signal to a first predetermined joystick position. Thereafter, the microprocessor based controller determines when the hydraulic actuator movement reaches terminal velocity and associates the magnitude of the electrical valve signal to a second predetermined joystick position.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus (100) for controllably moving an implement (102) is provided. The implement (102) is connected to a work machine (104) and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator (106). The apparatus (100) includes a joystick (306) with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick (306) is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The apparatus senses the position of the joystick (306) and responsively generates a joystick position signal. The joystick (306) maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick (306) is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The apparatus (100) senses the position of the work implement (102) with respect to the work machine (104).

Abstract: A method for controllably moving an implement is provided. The implement is connected to a work machine and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator. The method includes a joystick with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The method senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates a joystick position signals The joystick maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The method senses the position of the work implement with respect to the work machine. The method provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator in response to a magnitude of an electrical valve signal.