Motive Power Control Patents (Class 172/3)
  • Patent number: 12162362
    Abstract: A power machine can include an engine control module configured to determine a target operational speed of the power machine and control the engine based on the target operational speed. A drive controller can be configured to control operation of a hydraulic drive pump or other work element to decrease engine speed toward a target stabilization speed that is lower than the target operational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Doosan Bobcat North American, Inc.
    Inventors: Boston Zachmann, Chad Swenson
  • Patent number: 12157989
    Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an electric power source, an electric motor and a multi-speed transmission. The powertrain has an electronic controller. The controller determines a respective rimpull torque limit for the operating gear of the multi-speed transmission and determines whether the rimpull torque demand exceeds the rimpull torque limit. Upon determining that the rimpull torque demand exceeds the rimpull torque limit, the controller acts to either (i) shift the multi-speed transmission to a gear in which the respective rimpull torque limit is at or above the rimpull torque demand or (ii) reduce the electric motor torque command to a level for which the rimpull torque is below the respective rimpull torque limit for the operating gear of the multi-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Michael D. Beyer
  • Patent number: 12140947
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 12098527
    Abstract: A time period for which an ineffective operation is performed during an excavation work is reduced. A work machine includes a vehicular body, a running wheel rotatably attached to the vehicular body, a work implement operable with respect to the vehicular body, an operation apparatus for operating the running wheel and the work implement, and a controller that controls an operation by the work machine. The controller determines that slip-during-excavation which refers to slip of the running wheel with respect to the ground is occurring during the excavation work based on an operation command value output from the operation apparatus and outputs a signal relating to working of the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Daimon, Hiroyuki Aratame
  • Patent number: 12016257
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and remediating clogged gauge wheels, closing wheels, and seed tubes of an agricultural planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Sabanto, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Rupp, Corwin Spaetti, Aaron Petersdorf, Adam Gaynor
  • Patent number: 11950298
    Abstract: A communication processing system for a working machine includes a communication device disposed on the working machine and configured to transmit a beacon containing machine information relating to the working machine, and a mobile terminal configured to receive the beacon, and to execute a connection processing for connecting with the communication device and an obtaining processing for obtaining the machine information, wherein the beacon includes a first beacon containing first activation information and a second beacon containing second activation information, and wherein the mobile terminal is configured, after executing the connection processing and the obtaining processing upon receiving the first beacon, not to execute the obtaining processing upon further receiving the first beacon, and to execute the same obtaining processing upon receiving the second beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Miura, Keisuke Egashira
  • Patent number: 11898326
    Abstract: An arm load control system for a work vehicle including a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to determine whether a lift arm is in a maximum load configuration based on a position of the lift arm relative to a chassis of the work vehicle and output a control signal to a propulsion assembly of the work vehicle indicative of instructions to adjust a tractive effort of the work vehicle based on whether the lift arm is in the maximum load configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Brady Dorr Lewis
  • Patent number: 11866889
    Abstract: A construction vehicle may be a road finisher or a feeder vehicle for a road finisher. The construction vehicle comprises an internal network area of the construction vehicle, which comprises a computing unit for controlling an operation of the construction vehicle, and an external network area of the construction vehicle, which is in data communication connection with the internal network area. A firewall is configured to monitor data communication from the external network area of the construction vehicle to the internal network area of the construction vehicle, wherein the firewall has its own processor and operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventors: Achim Eul, Henning Delius, Markus Erdmann
  • Patent number: 11702818
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes measuring wear of a cutting edge of a blade of a work vehicle. Blade position or calibration measurements are made with or without a cutting edge. A wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is less than a blade calibration measurement. A wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is greater than a blade calibration measurement. Alternatively, a wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when a blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is greater than the blade position measurement. The wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is less than the blade position measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Craig Christofferson, Michael D. Peat, Nathan J. Horstman, Joshua M. Schau
  • Patent number: 11576294
    Abstract: An agricultural work system has an agricultural work machine to which at least one mounted implement can be fitted via at least one implement interface. A work machine configuration is associated with the work machine, and a mounted implement configuration is associated with the mounted implement. A drive unit is provided which acts via a drivetrain on ground engaging elements, particularly on tires. A system control and a control/display unit associated with the work machine are provided. It is proposed that the system control is adapted to determine the mounted implement configuration, to calculate the implement interface load transmitted via the implement interface based on the determined mounted implement configuration, and to evaluate and/or optimize the work machine configuration based on the calculated implement interface load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: CLAAS Tractor SAS
    Inventors: Jan Carsten Wieckhorst, Christian Ehlert, Lennart Meyer
  • Patent number: 11558990
    Abstract: A system for detecting the operational status of a ground engaging tool of a tillage implement including an agricultural implement including a frame and a tool assembly supported relative to the frame. The ganged tool assembly includes a toolbar coupled to the frame and one or more ground engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. The system further includes a sensor coupled to the tool assembly and configured to capture data indicative of a load acting on the one or more ground engaging tools. Additionally, the system includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensor and compare at least one monitored value associated with the load acting on the ground engaging tool(s). Moreover, the controller is further configured to identify the ground engaging tool(s) as being plugged when the monitored value(s) differs from the predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 11542109
    Abstract: A loading vehicle detects the position of a receiving vehicle relative to the loading vehicle and determines whether the receiving vehicle is to be repositioned. If so, it sends a repositioning message to the receiving vehicle and receives acknowledgement that the loading vehicle has remote control of the positioning mechanisms in the receiving vehicle. A loading vehicle operator input is detected and a position control signal is sent to the receiving vehicle to reposition it relative to the loading vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Francois Stander, Michael J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11440551
    Abstract: Steering a vehicle in an electronic steering mode of operation that includes a front axle steering system, a rear axle steering system, one or more vehicle environment sensors, and a controller operatively coupled with the front axle steering system, the rear axle steering system, and the vehicle environment sensors. Commanding the vehicle to operate at a desired vehicle speed, detecting a lateral force acting on the vehicle in response to input from the vehicle environment sensors, and determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle and a predicted lateral acceleration of the vehicle from the desired vehicle speed. Determining a lateral acceleration error by comparing the predicted lateral acceleration to the actual lateral acceleration, and determining if the lateral acceleration error exceeds a lateral acceleration limit, then turning both of the front axle steering system and the rear axle steering system to a crab steering correction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott A. Hudson, Jeffrey M. Tott, Edwin R. Kreis, Dennis A. Bowman
  • Patent number: 11440536
    Abstract: For use in all wheel drive vehicles with a rear electronic differential, a device containing a switch for making and breaking an electrical connection in a ground line of a differential harness. When the circuit is broken and the rear electronic differential is not powered, the rear electronic differential does not power the rear axles. A wireless remote control has buttons that when pressed send a wireless signal to a receiver connected to the switch. When the first button in the remote control is pressed, the switch breaks the connection in the ground line. When the second button in the remote control is pressed, the switch completes the connection in the ground line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: USP Motorsports Inc
    Inventors: Jonathan Leao, Christopher Green
  • Patent number: 11407308
    Abstract: A system includes a differential, sensors, and a controller. The differential is operable in a first differential mode in which a first shaft and a second shaft are allowed to rotate at different speeds, and a second differential mode in which the differential inhibits relative rotation between the first and second shafts. The sensors are configured to measure vehicle operating conditions. The controller is in communication with the sensors and the differential. The controller, when the vehicle mode is selected, is configured to determine if an intended path of the vehicle is straight, determine if a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined vehicle speed, and operate the differential in the second differential mode for a predetermined time period in response to the controller determining that the intended path of the vehicle is straight and the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Daniel Joseph Dunn, Matthew Johnson, Andrew Monticello, Jonathan Michael Graves
  • Patent number: 11324155
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for controlling operation of an agricultural system, comprising a tractor; an implement (100) hitched through a draw bar (10) to the tractor, the implement (100) having working tools (31) configured to engage with a ground and/or an agricultural product in operation while the tractor is drawing the implement (100) over a field; and a control system, comprising a control unit (2) and a sensor arrangement (1) connected to the control unit (2) through a control bus (5), wherein the control unit (2) is configured to determine a draft force applied to the implement (100) through the draw bar from measurement signals detected by the sensor arrangement (1); the method comprising operating the implement in either normal mode or field transport mode of operation based on different draft force thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Kverneland Group Les Landes Génusson S.A.S.
    Inventors: Gaëtan Pasquier, Janny Poulard
  • Patent number: 11273811
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control the vehicle speed of a vehicle includes a controller communicatively coupled to a motor and a brake mechanism. The controller is structured to receive an indication of a desired change in the vehicle speed, activate a motor speed governor responsive to the brake mechanism being in a released state, adjust an output torque responsive to the vehicle speed, wherein as a load corresponding to the motor increases the vehicle speed decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Books, Richard A. Booth, Jeffrey S. Rauch, Joseph E. Paquette
  • Patent number: 11186221
    Abstract: A purpose of the invention is to provide a tractor that includes a rear lamp with high designability. A tractor of the present invention includes a rear lamp, a cabin, a lamp housing that is provided along a longitudinal direction of a rear pillar of the cabin, and a light source that is housed in the lamp housing, wherein the rear lamp is provided from a vicinity of one end to a vicinity of the other end of the rear pillar in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junko Kudo
  • Patent number: 11134602
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the speed of an agricultural implement may include a work vehicle including a vehicle-based controller, with the vehicle-based controller being configured to adjust a drive parameter of the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of an orientation of the implement relative to the work vehicle. The implement may further include an implement-based controller supported on the implement and being communicatively coupled to the sensor. The implement-based controller may be configured to initiate control of the drive parameter of the work vehicle based on sensor data received from the sensor in a manner that adjusts the speed of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11124941
    Abstract: A motor grader having an articulated frame that includes a first front frame portion and a second rear frame portion that is angularly moving with respect to the first frame portion around a pivoting axis. A front steering system includes front wheels that are movable around a steering axis with respect to the articulated frame and around leaning axis transversal to the steering axis so that the front wheels may turn and lean during steering operation. A control unit receives as an input a control signal representing a steering angle and outputs steering actuation commands for an hydraulic actuating system of the front steering system and for a hydraulic actuating system of the articulated frame realizing synchronized and proportional angular movements of the front wheels around the steering and leaning axes and of the first and second portions of the frame around the pivoting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alessandro Benevelli, Domenico Meola, Davide Antonucci
  • Patent number: 11085527
    Abstract: An electronic control module (ECM) may obtain sensor information concerning an engine and may determine, based on the sensor information, a speed of the engine. The ECM may cause a swashplate of a hydraulic pump to adjust based on the speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Calhoun
  • Patent number: 10986764
    Abstract: A device for hitching and lifting an agricultural tool, including a frame fastened to the agricultural machine, a first arm articulated on the frame with a first tool hitch at one end, at least one first jack connected at one end to the frame and at the other to the arm, an extent of the travel of the jack allowing the end of the arm for bearing the hitch to successively pass through a first minimum low position, a second maximum high position, and a third retracted position, where a detection unit that detects a position of the end of the arm can deactivate the supply of the jack when the end reaches the second position, and a bypass controller can bypass the controller of the detection unit to reactivate the supply of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Hubert Defrancq
  • Patent number: 10808382
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing a run-away state of an industrial machine. Joints of the industrial machine are monitored in order to determine if the industrial machine is in danger of entering a run-away state. If a joint parameter exceeds a threshold value, which is indicative of the potential to enter a run-away state, then a force or torque limit is increased so that the industrial machine has additional force or torque to slow down the industrial machine when decelerating. This additional torque prevents the industrial machine from entering the run-away state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Wesley P. Taylor, Paul S. Ryan, Bryant J. Delforce
  • Patent number: 10747413
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods and computer programs for controlling a machine. The apparatus is suitable for a mobile communication device for providing a sensor input signal to a machine control entity to control a machine. The apparatus comprises one or more sensor modules for providing first user input sensor data and second user input sensor data. The apparatus further comprises a control module configured to determine the sensor input signal based on the first user input sensor data and the second user input sensor data. The control module is further configured to provide the sensor input signal for sensor data processing to the machine control entity to control the machine via an interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Schneider, Thomas Kuhn, Rasmus Adler, Viet Yen Nguyen, Patrik Feth, Emilia Cioroaica, Bastian Zimmer, Martin Kremmer, Thomas Floerchinger, Benjamin Neermann, Norbert Fritz, Stefan Volz
  • Patent number: 10300917
    Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting a target ground speed of a machine includes receiving data from a sensor, at a work monitor unit of an electronic control module of the machine, analyzing the data received from the sensor on the work monitor unit, receiving the data from the work monitor unit at a target model unit of the electronic control module, calculating, at the target model unit based on the data, ground engagement data for the machine, receiving the ground engagement data for the machine at a work monitor library unit of the electronic control module, calculating, at the work monitor library unit, the target ground speed, and adjusting a speed of the machine to the target ground speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Faivre
  • Patent number: 10144409
    Abstract: An engine control device of a work machine controls an internal-combustion engine of the work machine including a swing body, an implement attached to the swing body, a hydraulic actuator that operates the implement, a hydraulic pump that operates the hydraulic actuator, and the internal-combustion engine that drives the hydraulic pump and of which a rotation speed is changed according to a load. The engine control device of the work machine includes: a determination unit configured to determine whether a condition not requiring work with the implement is established; and an engine control unit configured to enable control at relief time of determining a target rotation speed targeted by the internal-combustion engine based on horsepower sucked by the hydraulic pump of when a hydraulic oil ejected by the hydraulic pump is relieved when the condition is established, and disables the control at relief time when the condition is not established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomotaka Imai, Tsubasa Ohira, Masaru Shizume
  • Patent number: 10075123
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one embodiment selects one of the first and second resolver/digital converters and interrupts a supply of a power supply voltage to the other one of the first and second resolver/digital converters, and when an error is detected in the selected one of the first and second resolver/digital converters, the semiconductor device starts the supply of the voltage to the other one of the first and second resolver/digital converters, and switches the one of the first and second resolver/digital converters to the other one of the first and second resolver/digital converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10015923
    Abstract: A vehicle having a linkage for attaching an implement including a control system for controlling a draft mode of operation in which the linkage is automatically raised and lowered depending on a draft force detected by the vehicle and a lifting cylinder, and when the vehicle travels at low speeds, or is driven in reverse or is stationary, the control system automatically sets the detected draft force to zero and the draft control mode of operation is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Gschwendtner, Guenther Ostenried, Werner Unsinn
  • Patent number: 9994104
    Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle includes a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a ground-engaging implement moveable relative to the support surface. The traction control system also includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. The controller is operable to move the ground-engaging implement at a rate proportional to an amount of wheel slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Jeffrey L. Theusch
  • Patent number: 9903299
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to deliver desired torque to a power take off device coupled to the engine. In one example, the method may include, learning a filtered PTO torque demand during vehicle acceleration, and steady state operation, and during transition in engine states using the learned PTO torque demand to adjust engine speed in order to deliver a desired engine torque output for optimal operation of the PTO device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis E. Homant, Bradley Dean Riedle, David James Liller
  • Patent number: 9809949
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an industrial machine during crowd runaway conditions. The system includes a controller that monitors and compares an actual crowd system state (e.g., an actual dipper position) with a requested crowd system state (e.g., a requested dipper position from the operator). If the controller determines that the crowd system is behaving contrary to requested crowd system behavior, the controller adjusts a crowd parameter, such as a crowd motor torque, to resolve the runaway condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Voelz, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 9713871
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing enhanced configuration and control of robots. Configurations disclosed herein augment a mobile computing device, such as a robot, with resources for understanding and navigation of an environment surrounding the computing device. The resources can include sensors of a separate computing device, which may be in the form of a head-mounted display. Data produced by the resources can be used to generate instructions for the mobile computing device. The sensors of the separate computing device can also detect a change in an environment or a conflict in the actions of the mobile computing device, and dynamically modify the generated instructions. By the use of the techniques disclosed herein, a simple, low-cost robot can understand and navigate through a complex environment and appropriately interact with obstacles and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Hill, Jeffrey J. Evertt, Alan M. Jones, Richard C. Roesler, Andrew William Jean, Emiko V. Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 9706696
    Abstract: A control system for a tractor that controls an operating condition of an attached implement and includes a pressure sensing device which senses the pressure in the hydraulic drive circuit and provides a signal indicative of the pull force necessary to pull the implement. The control system further includes a control device which receives the pressure signal and a second signal relating to the speed of the tractor and adjusts the position of the implement to a position within a pre-determined range in order to prevent damage to the tractor or implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Gschwendtner
  • Patent number: 9631345
    Abstract: A mode selecting unit is configured to generate an operation signal indicating one control mode selected from a plurality of control modes including a predetermined first mode and a second mode in which a traction force is controlled to be smaller than a traction force in the first mode. A controller is configured to obtain the operation signal from the mode selecting unit and control a drivetrain in accordance with the selected control mode. The controller is configured to start controlling the drivetrain in the second mode in starting of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Tanaka, Takeshi Kamimae, Atsushi Shirao, Satoshi Isejima
  • Patent number: 9551130
    Abstract: A work vehicle may include a chassis, a ground-engaging blade, a sensor, and a controller. The ground-engaging blade may be movably connected to the chassis via a linkage configured to allow the blade to be raised or lowered relative to the chassis. The sensor may be connected to the chassis at a fixed relative position to the chassis and configured to provide a pitch signal indicative of a rotational velocity in a pitch direction. The controller may be configured to receive the pitch signal and send a command to raise or lower the blade, the command based on a first gain and the pitch signal when the pitch signal indicates a rotational velocity in a first direction and based on a second gain and the pitch signal when the pitch signal indicates a rotational velocity in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott S. Hendron, Chris J. McDonald, Bryan Rausch, Travis Wiens, Jeff Dobchuk
  • Patent number: 9309899
    Abstract: A negative control type hydraulic pump control device mounted on a construction machine such as an excavator is provided. The hydraulic pump control device includes an accumulator storing a control signal pressure, a solenoid valve supplying any one of the signal pressure from the accumulator and a negative signal pressure to the regulator when a solenoid valve is shifted in accordance with applying of the control signal, and an operation lever locking unit turning ON/OFF the control signal applied to the solenoid valve in accordance with a driver's operation, wherein an inclination angle of a swash plate of a hydraulic pump is maintained with a minimum capacity by compensating for the negative signal pressure caused by hydraulic fluid supplied from the accumulator through shifting of the solenoid valve when an engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Dong-Soo Kim, Kyung-Sub Lee
  • Patent number: 9008919
    Abstract: A swing control apparatus and a swing control method for a construction machine are provided. The swing control apparatus includes a start position estimation unit, a stop target position calculation unit, and a swing motor position control unit. Even if an operator releases a lever or commands a stop at different times, an upper swing structure of the construction machine (for example, excavator) can be stopped within a predetermined range, and thus the inconvenience caused by an additional driving operation, which is required as the stop position differs according to the time point where the stop command starts, can be solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Chun-Han Lee, Jin-Seop Kim
  • Publication number: 20150053435
    Abstract: A drive system is provided for a towing vehicle pulling a towed vehicle, such as a tractor pulling a scraper. The drive system includes a diesel engine which drives a generator for generating electrical power. Tractor drive motors are drivingly connected to driven wheels of the tractor. An assist drive motor is drivingly connected to driven wheels of the scraper. A power distribution unit controls distribution of electric power from the generator to the tractor and assist drive motors. A control unit controls the power distribution unit as a function of vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bernard E. Romig, Bryan K. Buerkle, Lynelle K. Stahlhut
  • Publication number: 20150008006
    Abstract: A system for automated control of a motor grader includes a first sensor to indicate bounce of the motor grader and a speed sensor to indicate the ground speed. A controller determines a maximum amplitude of the bounce of the motor grader and controls the ground speed of the motor grader at least in part based upon the maximum amplitude of the bounce. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yongliang Zhu, Phillip Newberry, Owen Kolstad, Michael Subrt, Sam M. Kherat
  • Publication number: 20140345890
    Abstract: A motor grader is provided with an engine, front and rear travel wheels, a transmission which has hydraulic clutches for switching between forward and reverse travel and for switching between speed stages, changes the speed of power from the engine, and transmits the power to either the front travel wheels and/or to the rear travel wheels; a work implement which includes a blade for grading; a very low-speed travel controlling means; and a vehicle speed adjusting knob. During travel at a forward first speed, the very low-speed travel controlling means causes one of the hydraulic clutches of the transmission to operate as a braking clutch, causing the motor grader to travel at a very low speed. The vehicle speed adjusting knob is a member for setting the vehicle speed during very low-speed travel to an arbitrary speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Tomonao Nagamura, Tetsuya Morimoto, Michihiro Aida
  • Patent number: 8650778
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system realizes a jack-up operation without arrangement of a flow rate control valve and center bypass selector valve. The hydraulic drive system has first and second hydraulic pumps, first and second directional control valves for controlling boom cylinders, a third directional control valve for controlling the boom cylinders, and a third hydraulic pump for feeding pressure oil to the third directional control valve. A jack-up selector valve has a second select position where, when a pressure in bottom chambers of the boom cylinders is not higher than a predetermined pressure, feeding of pressure oil, which is delivered from the first hydraulic pump and second hydraulic pump, to rod chambers of the boom cylinders, is held permissible in association with switching of the second directional control valve and third directional control valve by a manipulation of a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Okano, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kouji Ishikawa, Kensuke Sato, Naoki Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 8494727
    Abstract: In order to achieve a solution which assists a farmer in working land in a way which reduces the risk of soil compaction of the land there is, among others, a method of determining a work trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle. The method includes accessing a soil carry capacity map of an area of land to be worked by the agricultural work vehicle, receiving load data of the agricultural work vehicle so as to determine the agricultural work vehicle load and determining the work trajectory to be followed by the agricultural work vehicle. The work trajectory is determined by correlating the soil carry capacity map and the load data of the agricultural work vehicle, so as to optimize that the area to be worked with low carry capacity is worked with low agricultural work vehicle load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aarhus Universitet
    Inventors: Ole Green, Dionysios D. Bochtis
  • Patent number: 8463508
    Abstract: A system for correcting an angle of an implement coupled to a loader is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of the speed of an engine on a loader and to receive a signal indicative of an actuation of an operator interface on the loader. The operator interface actuation signal commands movement of a lift arm on the loader. The controller is further configured to calculate an angle correction signal based at least upon the engine speed signal and the operator interface actuation signal and to transmit the angle correction signal to change an angle of a coupler configured to couple an implement to the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Nicholson, Todd R. Farmer, Brian F. Taggart, Mark A. Sporer, Luka G. Korzeniowski
  • Publication number: 20130112441
    Abstract: An implement has at least a first plow share in front, provided with an anti-rollback mechanism, and at least a second plow share in the rear, with another anti-rollback mechanism. The plow shares are interconnected by alternate approaching and distancing mechanisms. A telematic control unit based on a computer system that is assisted by a global positioning system, autonomously guides movement of the implement. A steering system formed by an oscillating support can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the advancement direction of the implement and lifts one of the plow shares in relation to the ground and moves it laterally. A power supply system using renewable energy or internal or external combustion engines is mounted on the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Damian Bover Trobat
  • Patent number: 8428831
    Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis Thompson, Terry Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20120199371
    Abstract: An engine speed control device is adapted to control a motor grader including a transmission with a plurality of manually shiftable low speed stages and at least one high speed stage, the transmission being configured to switch between a manual mode for manually selecting one of all the speed stages and an automatic shifting mode for automatically shifting a predetermined speed stage and higher. The engine speed control device includes an upper limit engine speed control unit configured to set an upper limit engine speed to be an out-of-service travelling-use upper limit engine speed at the at least one high speed stage, and set the upper limit engine speed to be a working-use upper limit engine speed at any one of the low speed stages, the working-use upper limit engine speed being lower than the out-of-service travelling-use upper limit engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Sakai, Haruki Shinagawa, Hirohito Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20120186213
    Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural funicular traction system with electric propulsion, said system comprising two agricultural machineries, respectively one left-handed machinery (1) and one right-handed machinery (1), working as a couple, said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being technically identical, each machinery (1) providing a frame (2), with four wheels (3), a driving and reversible control unit (4), a hoist (5), provided with safety clutch (16), round which a cable (13) winds, jacks (9) for steadiness, on the working side of the machinery (1), towards the field to till, and weights (10) for steadiness (counterweights), means for independent and remote automatic driving, the work as a couple of said machineries (1) left-handed and right-handed being realized by means of said cable (13) having appropriate elasticity and tensile strength features, that extends, winding and unwinding during the work, between the respective hoists (5) of the two machineries (1), on said cable (13) being
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Romano Orlando, Andrea Zoffoli
  • Patent number: 8185290
    Abstract: A data acquisition system for an excavation machine having a power source configured to drive a tool through a work cycle is disclosed. The data acquisition system may have a first sensor associated with the power source to generate a first signal indicative of a performance of the power source, and a second sensor associated with the tool to generate a second signal indicative of a performance of the tool. The data acquisition system may also have a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to record the first and second signals, and partition the work cycle into a plurality of segments. The controller may be further configured to link the performance of the power source and the performance of the tool together with one of the plurality of segments during which the associated first and second signals were recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King, Vijayakumar Janardhan, Shoji Tozawa
  • Patent number: 8051916
    Abstract: A rear wheel drive assist for a wheel tractor scraper, the wheel tractor scraper having a tractor portion with a power source operatively connected to the front driven wheels, and a rear, scraper portion having a bowl, work tool, and first and second rear wheels, the rear wheel drive assist includes a work tool pump fluidly connected to a work tool motor to drive the work tool, fluid operated drive motors operatively connected to the rear wheels, and a diverter valve selectively movable between a first position that delivers fluid flow from the pump to the work tool motor, and a second position that delivers fluid flow from the work tool pump to the rear wheel drive motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: C. Erik Bright, Steven A. Daniel, Bradley J. McManus, Daniel P. Sergison, Norval P. Thomson
  • Patent number: 7971653
    Abstract: An aerator with a hole spacing control system is disclosed. The aerator has a traction drive with at least a pair of driven wheels and a single steered wheel. A vehicle control unit provides commands to the traction drive to move the aerator at a specified ground speed. An operator-adjustable hole spacing actuator may be moved to a plurality of hole spacing settings. The hole spacing actuator is electrically connected to the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit includes logic to vary the commands to the traction drive based on the hole spacing settings from the actuator. An engine speed sensor and/or coring head speed sensor also may be electrically connected to the vehicle control unit, and the vehicle control unit commands being also based on inputs from those speed sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Troy W. Harris, III