Abstract: Vehicle navigation systems typically include devices for determining the location of the vehicle. In many situations it is advantageous to improve the resolution of such devices or to provide a back-up system for determining vehicle location. Simple and efficient systems are also desirable when used as the primary positioning systems. The subject invention provides a simple and efficient system for determining the location of a vehicle in a base reference frame. One or more targets are located at predefined positions with respect to the base reference frame. A target sensing device determines a position of one of the one or more targets with respect to the vehicle. A device determines an estimated vehicle position. A vehicle locating device determines the location of the vehicle with respect to the base reference frame in response to the position of the target with respect to the vehicle and the estimated vehicle position.

Abstract: An apparatus (102) and method for detecting the position of a piston and piston rod (104,106) within a housing (108) of a hydraulic cylinder (110). The piston (104), piston rod (106), and housing (108) form first and second coaxial resonant cavities (114,116). A first location of the piston and piston rod (104,106) is determined as a function of the resonant frequency of one of the coaxial cavities (114,116). A second location of the piston and piston rod (104,106) is determined as function of the resonant frequency of the other cavity if the first location is invalid.

Abstract: The present invention provides, an apparatus for controllably moving a vehicle's work implement. The work implement includes a first appendage pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second appendage pivotally connected to the first appendage. The apparatus senses the geometry of the work implement and responsibly producing a plurality of position signal and produces one of a manual control mode signal and an automatic control mode signal. An operator interface produces first and second lever command signals indicative of desired movement of the work implement. The apparatus receives the one control mode signal and the first and second lever control signals and responsively produces linear motion of the end point of the second appendage along first and second work axes if the one control mode signal is equal to the automatic control mode signal.

Abstract: Vehicles having front and rear steerable wheels (14,16) and a plurality of steering modes are commonly used in many applications. A vehicle (10) includes a steering input device (24) having a plurality of positions corresponding to the desired rate of turn of the vehicle (10) and a steering control (23) for changing the steering mode in which the vehicle (10) is operating. The steering control accomplishes (23) the steering mode transition while causing the rate of turn of the vehicle (10) to be substantially equal to the desired rate of turn throughout the transition.

Abstract: Construction vehicles of the type having a pair of lift arms extending from the frame to support a work implement, have generally been restricted to operating one specific tool. The attempt to combine the operation of several different work implements has been met with severe functional restrictions since some work implements have specific requirements not found in the operation of others. In order to provide a lift arm linkage arrangement that incorporates the functional requirements necessary to operate a plurality of work implements while maintaining a simple, yet efficient construction, an electronic controller has been included in the design. The electronic controller includes a plurality of sensors that are operatively associated with the lift and tilt linkage of the lift arm arrangement. The sensors enable the electronic controller to constantly monitor the current position of the lift arms and the work implement and compare them with a programmed sequence of movements.

Abstract: Windshield wiper systems are commonly used on vehicles that must operate out-of-doors. In systems employing two or more wiper elements, each operating from an individual wiper motor, some mechanism must be employed to prevent out-of-sync operation from causing the wiper elements to collide if they operate in an overlap area. The instant wiper system includes first and second electric motors each drivingly connected to a respective windshield wiper element. Switching devices selectively controllably provide electrical power to the motors in response to receiving respective motor control signals. Synchronizing devices provide first and second synchronizing signals in response to the respective wiper elements being positioned at corresponding predetermined cycle start locations. A logic circuit controllably produces the motor control signals in response to receiving the respective synchronizing signals.

Abstract: A control system is adapted to provide substantially linear movement of a work implement. The control system receives signals from at least one control lever and coordinates the movements of the work implement's appendages through coordination of hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: The work implements on earthmoving and material handling vehicles are generally controlled with two or more operator control handles or pedals that do not intuitively correspond to the movement of the implement. Generally, the assignment of the implement linkages to the controls is entirely arbitrary, and there exists little correlation between the direction of movement of the implement linkages and those of the control levers and pedals. Inconsistencies also abound between manufacturers and even among different type vehicles within a single manufacturer. These problems compromise the ability and productivity of even the most skilled operator. The invention comprises of two multi-axis joysticks that provide the operator an intuitive control interface to the vehicle. The control system of the invention also provides a coordinated control for spatial placement of the end effector of the work implement.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mechanically actuating a valve stem in response to signals generated by an electronic control. A signal means and a sensor means send signals to the electronic control in response to a desired valve stem position and a sensed valve stem position, respectively. The electronic control formulates an error signal if the sensed position is not the desired position. A motor receives a control signal in response to the error signal and drives a linkage for moving the valve stem to the desired position.