Abstract: A method of assisting an operator of an excavating machine is disclosed. The method includes recommending a hop distance to move the machine based upon the maximum distance the machine can move and still be able to reach the bottom of the excavation that has already been dug by the machine during an excavating operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine during an excavating operation is provided. Stabilizers are deployed to ground contact to stabilize the machine at a first set-up position. Excavating is performed with an excavating assemblage during a first excavating phase while the machine is stabilized at the first set-up position. An automated machine preparation for repositioning mode is initiated for preparing the machine, after the excavating phase, for repositioning to a second set-up position for a second excavating phase, by activating an input device to send input signals to a controller. Output signals are delivered from the controller to control automated machine preparation for repositioning to the second set-up position.

Abstract: A method of repositioning a machine during an excavating operation from a first machine position to a second machine position is provided. A target distance to the second machine position is selected. An operator input device configured to send a control input signal to a control module to initiate a repositioning phase is activated. During a repositioning phase, the machine is moved toward the second position while an operator maintains control of movement. A determination is made when the machine has traveled the target distance. The machine is stopped under automated machine control at the second machine position.

Abstract: A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling off-fall during trench excavation. The system includes a trench excavating assemblage. A mechanism moves the trench excavating assemblage from a position within a trench to be excavated to a position for dumping excavated material. A control system is configured to operate the trench excavating assemblage in an automated off-fall control mode to remove and/or compact off-fall along at least one edge of the trench.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine having a linkage system is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a tank configured to hold a supply of fluid and at least one hydraulic actuator associated with the linkage system to affect movement of the linkage system. The at least one hydraulic actuator has a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The hydraulic system also has an independent metering valve associated with the first pressure chamber. The independent metering valve has a valve element movable between a first position at which fluid communication between the first pressure chamber and the tank is blocked, and a second position at which fluid is allowed to drain from the first pressure chamber to the tank. The hydraulic system further has at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of a pressure in the second pressure chamber, and a controller in communication with the independent metering valve and the sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling hydraulic flow to a hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with a pump. The method includes generating a signal representative of a speed of the pump and selecting a relationship from a plurality of relationships between valve commands and an operator input. The selection is based upon the speed signal. A valve is modulated to control the hydraulic flow to the hydraulic actuator based on the selected relationship and the operator input.

Abstract: A system and method for updating parameter data available to a machine control system. A work machine having an implement attached thereto includes a machine control system for controlling the machine and the implement and for providing additional functionality, such as mapping and payload systems, to the machine. The machine control system is configurable for operation of a variety of work implements. Data associated with the attached work implement is retrieved from a remote system and utilized to adjust the machine control system to accommodate the attached implement.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a work machine arm having a series of hydraulic cylinders operatively engaged with the work machine arm includes receiving a signal from an input device to change the position of the work machine arm and determining an extension amount of one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders. The extension amount of one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders is changed to effect the change in the position of the work machine arm. The changes in the extension amount of the one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders are ordered based on a pre-selected priority of movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a display in real time of an excavation site having underground objects. The method and apparatus includes determining a location of an earthworking machine in site coordinates, determining a location of an earthworking implement relative to the earthworking machine, determining the location in site coordinates of at least one underground object at the excavation site and responsively inputting the location of the at least one underground object to a terrain map of the excavation site, and displaying the terrain map including the location of the earthworking machine, the location of the earthworking implement, and the location of the at least one underground object in real time.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing solid deposits of the oxides of nitrogen, especially dinitrogen pentoxide, from ozone generator tubes and dielectrics is described. The method circulates warm dry gas in the tube section of the generator, warm water in the shell section or both to clean the ozone generator. The oxides are evaporated and evacuated from the system. The method substantially reduces or eliminates the formation of nitric acid on the tubes and dielectrics when the generator is exposed to humidity upon being opened to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method for updating parameter data available to a machine control system. A work machine having an implement attached thereto includes a machine control system for controlling the machine and the implement and for providing additional functionality, such as mapping and payload systems, to the machine. The machine control system is configurable for operation of a variety of work implements. Data associated with the attached work implement is retrieved from a remote system and utilized to adjust the machine control system to accommodate the attached implement.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling hydraulic flow to a hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with a pump. The method includes generating a signal representative of a speed of the pump and selecting a relationship from a plurality of relationships between valve commands and an operator input. The selection is based upon the speed signal. A valve is modulated to control the hydraulic flow to the hydraulic actuator based on the selected relationship and the operator input.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus of an arcuate track joystick assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention, a joystick assembly is disclosed. The joystick assembly includes a joystick shaft having a longitudinal joystick axis, at least one guide member through which the joystick shaft extends, at least one follower mechanism connected with the joystick shaft and operative with the guide member, and a force member adapted to urge the follower mechanism into contact with the guide member.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing solid deposits of the oxides of nitrogen, especially dinitrogen pentoxide, from ozone generator tubes and dielectrics is described. The method circulates warm dry gas in the tube section of the generator, warm water in the shell section or both to clean the ozone generator. The oxides are evaporated and evacuated from the system. The method substantially reduces or eliminates the formation of nitric acid on the tubes and dielectrics when the generator is exposed to humidity upon being opened to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a display of a work machine at a work site. The work machine has a work implement controllably attached. The method includes the steps of determining a position of the work machine relative to the site, determining a position of the work implement relative to the work machine, and displaying a scaled image of the site, the work machine, and the work implement relative to the work machine, wherein movement of the work implement relative to the work machine is shown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of an underground object during a digging operation. The method and apparatus includes delivering a signal toward the underground object, receiving a reflected signal from the underground object, determining an initial location of the underground object, creating a region of uncertainty around the underground object as a function of a level of confidence of the determined initial location, performing at least one process to improve the level of confidence, and adjusting the region of uncertainty as a function of the improved level of confidence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a display of a work machine at a work site. The work machine has a work implement controllably attached. The method includes the steps of determining a position of the work machine relative to the site, determining a position of the work implement relative to the work machine, and displaying a scaled image of the site, the work machine, and the work implement relative to the work machine, wherein movement of the work implement relative to the work machine is shown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of an underground object during a digging operation. The method and apparatus includes delivering a signal toward the underground object, receiving a reflected signal from the underground object, determining an initial location of the underground object, creating a region of uncertainty around the underground object as a function of a level of confidence of the determined initial location, performing at least one process to improve the level of confidence, and adjusting the region of uncertainty as a function of the improved level of confidence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a location of an object at an earthworking site. The method and apparatus includes determining a location in geographical coordinates of an earthworking implement at the earthworking site, determining a location in geographical coordinates of the object, displaying the earthworking implement and the object on a display having a top view and a side profile view of the earthworking site, selecting a perimeter of interest in the top view with respect to the earthworking implement, determining the coordinates of a portion of the object bounded by the perimeter of interest, and displaying a three-dimensional image of the portion of the object in the side profile view as a function of the perimeter of interest.