Abstract: A cylinder protection device for a cylinder of a machine includes a cylindrical body. The cylinder protection device includes a first portion having a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed between a first end and a second end of the first portion. The first and second surfaces are inclined relative to each other. Further, the first and second surfaces intersect at a first upper edge of the first portion. The cylinder protection device also includes a second portion disposed on the cylindrical body and connected to the second end of the first portion. The second portion includes a third surface and a fourth surface inclined relative to each other. Further, the third and fourth surfaces intersect at a second upper edge of the second portion. The second upper edge is inclined relative to the first upper edge of the first portion.

Abstract: A cylinder protection device for a cylinder of a machine includes a cylindrical body. The cylinder protection device includes a first portion having a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed between a first end and a second end of the first portion. The first and second surfaces are inclined relative to each other. Further, the first and second surfaces intersect at a first upper edge of the first portion. The cylinder protection device also includes a second portion disposed on the cylindrical body and connected to the second end of the first portion. The second portion includes a third surface and a fourth surface inclined relative to each other. Further, the third and fourth surfaces intersect at a second upper edge of the second portion. The second upper edge is inclined relative to the first upper edge of the first portion.

Abstract: A method of determining a machine for operating at an actual site includes establishing a three-dimensional geographical model representing the actual site, determining at least one operation characteristic relating to the operation of each of a set of machines in relation to the model, and predicting at least one performance characteristic for each machine based on the at least one operation characteristic and at least one respective characteristic of the different machines. The method further includes comparing the predicted performance characteristics for the different machines, and determining a target machine based on the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing a load history database for a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include detecting a measurable parameter on the structure utilizing a sensor positioned on the structure and determining a value of external loads acting upon the structure based on the detected parameter. Further, the method may include evaluating the value of the external loads against a pre-established factor. Based on the evaluation, the value of the external loads are selectively stored in the load history database.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the use of a work machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a computer with a neural network on the work machine. Further, the method may include inputting data to the computer, at least a portion of the data associated with a load experienced by one of the components of the work machine. The neural network, when executed by the computer may then classify a current operation of the work machine into one of a plurality of types of operations.

Abstract: A method of determining a machine for operating at an actual site includes establishing a three-dimensional geographical model representing the actual site, determining at least one operation characteristic relating to the operation of each of a set of machines in relation to the model, and predicting at least one performance characteristic for each machine based on the at least one operation characteristic and at least one respective characteristic of the different machines. The method further includes comparing the predicted performance characteristics for the different machines, and determining a target machine based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and method of estimating fatigue life of a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include determining strain on the structure using a plurality of gauges positioned on the structure. The method may also include detecting a parameter of the structure with a plurality of sensors positioned on the structure. Further, the method includes converting the detected parameter and the determined strain to proportional loads acting on the structure and transforming the proportional loads to coordinate system data associated with the structure. Based on the coordinate system data, the fatigue life of the structure may be estimated.