Abstract: A system for determining an orientation of an implement on a vehicle is provided. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle, and a target object within a field of vision of the camera and mounted to the implement. The target object includes markings to enable a determination of the orientation of the implement with respect to the camera. A method of determining an orientation of an implement on a vehicle is provided. A system of orienting an implement is provided. A method of installing an implement orientation system is provided. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions is provided. The computer-executable instructions cause a processor to perform a method of determining an orientation of an implement when executed.

Abstract: A combination grounding/mounting connector and method for mounting an electrical receptacle adapted to receive an electrical current carrying cable connector to a panel. The combination grounding/mounting connector device includes a first portion passing through an aperture formed in the receptacle and the panel for engaging a device for securing the electrical receptacle to the panel, the first portion accommodating connection to an electrical ground; and, a second portion providing an electrical ground connector when the first portion is connected to an electrical ground.

Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.

Abstract: Method for producing a nanoparticle comprised of core, first shell and second shell semiconductor materials. Effecting conversion of a core precursor composition comprising separate first and second precursor species to the core material and then depositing said first and second shells. The conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticle core. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least two of the core, first shell and second shell materials incorporate ions from groups 12 and 15, 14 and 16, or 11, 13 and 16 of the periodic table. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which the second shell material incorporates at least two different group 12 ions and group 16 ions. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least one of the core, first and second semiconductor materials incorporates group 11, 13 and 16 ions and the other semiconductor material does not incorporate group 11, 13 and 16 ions.

Abstract: A motor grader with an adjustable wheel base is disclosed. The motor grader may include front and rear wheels supporting a chassis and a main frame. A working blade may downwardly depend from the main frame between the front wheels and rear wheels to perform work on the ground below. The motor grader may also provide an adjustable wheel base to allow the center of gravity of the motor grader to better match the work load being addressed. The adjustable wheel base may also provide more swing clearance for the blade relative to the rear wheels, allow for an adjustable articulation angle, and minimize structural loads on the motor grader, particularly during ripping operation. The wheel base may be adjustable by providing structure through which the relative positions of the rear wheels can be altered automatically, manually, and dynamically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a satellite positioning system wherein the receive elements satellite positioning system receive antennas are maintained in an orientation with respect to the positioning system satellites in a way such that the strongest signals can be received from the greatest number of satellites. According to one embodiment, a housing of a positioning antenna is mounted in a gimbaled fashion onto a vehicle, such as an excavator. Such a gimbaled antenna maintains a horizontal orientation relative to a predetermined axis and, as a result, remains in a position to receive signals from positioning system satellites even during instances of high angular deflection of the antenna support, such as may occur during earth-moving operations.

Abstract: A flexible mast track extension for use on sail boat mast permitting the luff of a sail bent to the mast to deflect from the line of the mast and facilitate the extension or retraction of a sail from a furling apparatus.

Abstract: Method for producing a nanoparticle comprised of core, first shell and second shell semiconductor materials. Effecting conversion of a core precursor composition comprising separate first and second precursor species to the core material and then depositing said first and second shells. The conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticle core. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least two of the core, first shell and second shell materials incorporate ions from groups 12 and 15, 14 and 16, or 11, 13 and 16 of the periodic table. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which the second shell material incorporates at least two different group 12 ions and group 16 ions. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least one of the core, first and second semiconductor materials incorporates group 11, 13 and 16 ions and the other semiconductor material does not incorporate group 11, 13 and 16 ions.

Abstract: A graphical grade indicator for use in earth moving operations has an improved, variable resolution and a substantially unlimited range. This grade indicator results in a more accurate indication of the position of a cutting blade relative to the desired grade and, as a result, allows a machine operator to more accurately control grading operations. In one embodiment, a graphical grade indicator has a graphical scale with a substantially unlimited range and various indications indicating a desired grade level and at least a first undesirable grade level. When the cutting blade deviates from the desired grade level, a first indication is provided indicating, illustratively, the direction and magnitude of movement of the cutting blade repositioning necessary to achieve the desired grade. The resolution of the graphical scale can be changed in order to provide a desired degree of accuracy in grading operations.

Abstract: A combination grounding/mounting connector and method for mounting an electrical receptacle adapted to receive an electrical current carrying cable connector to a panel. The combination grounding/mounting connector device includes a first portion passing through an aperture formed in the receptacle and the panel for engaging a device for securing the electrical receptacle to the panel, the first portion accommodating connection to an electrical ground; and, a second portion providing an electrical ground connector when the first portion is connected to an electrical ground.

Abstract: A radiator of a cooling system is disposed within an engine compartment, between a rear mounted engine and a cab on a wheeled machine. The remaining components within the engine compartment are arranged such that they are lower in height than the radiator, the engine compartment enclosure generally angling down from the cab rearward. The enclosure includes an air intake that opens into a gap between the enclosure and cab. A fan disposed rearward the radiator may pull cooling air through the air intake and past the radiator.

Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.

Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame that is pivotally connected to a tandem drive arrangement. The tandem drive arrangement includes a beam (120) and a first motor (128) having a first stator portion (202) connected to a first end of the beam (120). The first motor (128) also includes a first rotor portion (204) connected to a first drive wheel (118). A load sharing arrangement (412) is associated with the tandem drive arrangement and includes a first collar (414) rotatably disposed around the first stator portion (202) and a second collar (426) rotatably disposed around a portion of the beam (120). A first linkage (424) is pivotally connected between the first and second collars such that the load sharing arrangement (412) balances unbalanced loading in the tandem drive arrangement by transferring the unbalanced loading to the frame.

Abstract: Nanoparticles include or consist essentially of (i) a core that itself includes or consists essentially of a first material, and (ii) a layer including or consisting essentially of a second material. In various embodiments, one of the first and second materials is a semiconductor material incorporating ions from group 13 and group 15 of the periodic table, and the other of the first and second materials is a metal oxide material incorporating metal ions selected from any one of groups 1 to 12, 14 and 15 of the periodic table. In other embodiments, one of the first and second materials is a semiconductor material, and the other of the first and second materials is an oxide of a metal selected from any one of groups 3 to 10 of the periodic table. Methods for preparing such nanoparticles are also described.

Abstract: A ride control arrangement for a machine having a frame, a ripper, a hydraulic actuator operative to move the ripper includes at least one accumulator assembly, and a valve mechanism operatively disposed between the accumulator assembly and the hydraulic actuator to either block or allow fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the accumulator assembly. A ride control arrangement for a motor grader with an implement operated by a hydraulic actuator similarly includes at least one accumulator assembly selectively fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator by way of a valve mechanism.

Abstract: A ride control arrangement for a machine having a frame, a ripper, a hydraulic actuator operative to move the ripper includes at least one accumulator assembly, and a valve mechanism operatively disposed between the accumulator assembly and the hydraulic actuator to either block or allow fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the accumulator assembly. A ride control arrangement for a motor grader with an implement operated by a hydraulic actuator similarly includes at least one accumulator assembly selectively fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator by way of a valve mechanism.

Abstract: A steering system for steering a machine having opposing first and second sides with first and second pairs of rotatably mounted rear wheels disposed along the respective sides and at least one rotatably mounted, spaced front wheel. The system includes at least one first drive unit and at least one second drive unit for rotating the rear wheels of the respective pairs, and a steering input device that provides a signal to a controller that produces drive unit request signals to control the drive units to rotate the associated rear wheels along one side at rotational speeds greater than those along the other side to facilitate turning.

Abstract: A tandem drive arrangement includes one or more independently driven wheels (118) that are arranged in a tandem configuration along a beam (120). The beam (120) is rotatably connected to a frame (102) of a machine (100). The tandem drive arrangement further includes an actuator (206) operating to selectively impart a rotating moment to the beam (102). The rotating moment tends to rotate the beam (120) in one direction and counteracts a torque imbalance resulting from operation of motors (128) rotating one or more independently driven wheels (118) connected to the beam (120).

Abstract: A virtual profilograph is disclosed that can provide measurements indicative of the ride quality of a roadway as the road is being constructed. As a result, a more timely, less costly indication of the ride quality of a roadway is obtained as compared to prior methods. In a first embodiment a Global Navigation Satellite System antenna is attached to a vehicle. When the vehicle travels over a roadway, measurements of the position of the antenna are recorded at different times. A profile of the roadway is created by measuring the elevation of the antenna as a function of the distance traveled from a starting point. In another embodiment, tilt sensors are used to measure the slope of the roadway and the tilt of the vehicle so that a precise orientation of the vehicle and, hence, the contours of the roadway, can be determined.

Abstract: A method of braking a hydrostatic drive machine includes steps of reducing a displacement of a pump of a hydrostatic drive system to a non-zero displacement, and increasing a displacement of a motor of the hydrostatic drive system to a displacement that is less than a maximum displacement. The method also includes a step of accelerating an engine of the hydrostatic drive system toward a desired engine speed range.