Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a blade control system. The blade control system is provided to adjust the angle of a blade and to adjust the pitch of the blade. A method for adjusting the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of generating a dynamic variable average flow applied by a hydraulic system of a vehicle.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of generating a dynamic variable average flow applied by a hydraulic system of a vehicle.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator.

Abstract: An articulated dozer with a four point independent suspension system between a chassis and two support frames is described. The chassis includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion connected by an articulation joint. The vehicle is compactly arrange so that the chassis and the two support frames fit between the track systems supporting and propelling the vehicle. Additionally, the engine is arranged near the articulation joint and lower than the top of the track systems for improved view and visibility. The cab is arranged over the track systems at the front of the vehicle for an optimal view of the blade.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a blade control system. The blade control system is provided to adjust the angle of a blade and to adjust the pitch of the blade. A method for adjusting the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a multiple mode operational system having a work system such as a linkage and associated hydraulic cylinders of a backhoe, a braking system and a multiple mode control system. The multiple mode control system includes a central controller, a mode toggle switch and a work system control device such as an electromechanical joystick. The central controller is capable of entering at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the central controller manipulates the work system based on signals received from the work system control device. In the second operational mode, the central controller controls the braking system based on signals received from the work system control device.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a tool pivotally attached to a linkage, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and a tilt angle sensor for sensing the absolute angle of the work tool relative to the earth. A controller is adapted to perform an auto-hold function for the tool, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the work tool at about the initial or set absolute angle of the tool. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: A mobile interface system for a work vehicle that affords degrees of freedom for roll as well as conventional pitch and yaw or swing motion control for a mobile interface structure to which a linkage or a work tool is attached. The mobile interface structure for a backhoe is a swing frame. The roll, pitch and yaw motions are relative to the work vehicle.

Abstract: The invention comprises a work vehicle, a boom attached to the vehicle, a tool pivotally attached to the boom, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and an angular velocity sensor for sensing the angular velocity of the tool. A controller is adapted to perform a tool auto-hold function, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by processing the angular velocity data and commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the angular velocity at zero. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: The invention comprises a backhoe with a tool pivotally attached to an extendable dipperstick, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and an angular velocity sensor for sensing the angular velocity of the tool about its pivot. A controller is adapted to perform a tool auto-hold function, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by processing the angular velocity data and commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the angular velocity at zero. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: The invention comprises a work vehicle, a boom attached to the vehicle, a tool pivotally attached to the boom, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and an angular velocity sensor for sensing the angular velocity of the tool. A controller is adapted to perform a tool auto-hold function, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by processing the angular velocity data and commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the angular velocity at zero. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises an articulated frame having a first frame segment and a second frame segment that are pivotally coupled to one another by a vertical pivot. An actuator is coupled to the frame segments for articulating the segments relative to one another to steer the vehicle. Each frame segment is provided with ground engaging wheels which support the respective frame segments. A work implement in the form of a backhoe is mounted to the second frame segment. A stabilizer comprising two stabilizer arms is mounted to the first frame segment. The stabilizer arms have a work position and a transport position. In its work position the stabilizer arms are lowered and the ground engaging wheels of the second frame segment are lifted off the ground. The actuator for steering the vehicle can then be used to pivot the backhoe about a vertical axis defined by the vertical pivot.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an articulated frame having a first frame segment and a second frame segment that are pivotally coupled to one another by a vertical pivot. An actuator is coupled to the frame segments for articulating the segments relative to one another to steer the vehicle. Each frame segment is provided with ground engaging wheels which support the respective frame segments. A work implement in the form of a backhoe is mounted to the second frame segment. A stabilizer having two stabilizer arms is mounted to the first frame segment. The stabilizer arms have a work position and a transport position. In its work position the stabilizer arms are lowered and the ground engaging wheels of the second frame segment are lifted off the ground. The actuator for steering the vehicle can then be used to pivot the backhoe about a vertical axis defined by the vertical pivot.