Abstract: A vision-based sensor system is provided for heavy equipment or other machinery that determines the pose or position of the blade with respect to the heavy equipment vehicle where the sensor system comprises a vision-based blade position system having an image acquisition device and vision system processor.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus, that is typically as used on tractors, excavators and skid-steer vehicles, and references the levelling assembly and mounting options including directly to the existing blade of vehicles as well as other mounting arrangements. Preferred embodiments of a levelling apparatus include a blade body portion and body mounting portion connected by an arrangement of fixed and adjustable linkages, preferably hydraulic, to allow movement of the blade body portion, relative to the body mounting portion, in substantially an up and down direction, as well as rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the general plane of an attached blade.

Abstract: A unique scraper assembly for the disc of a furrow opener features an obstruction carried at inner side of the scraper body in a position trailing behind the leading scraper edge to prevent straw from accumulating in the space between the disc and scraper near the leading scraper edge, to block seed or other product delivered into the furrow from skipping forward into this space, to reduce wear on the leading scraper edge by increasing an area of pressured contact with the disc during side loading of the scraper, and/or provide lubricated contact with the disc to reduce rotational resistance during side loading. In some embodiments, the obstruction is defined by a separate insert of distinct material composition from the scraper. A discrete wing member is welded to the scraper at a pre-determined position thereon determined by fitting of the wing member into a mating slot in the scraper.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus, typically as used on tractors, excavators and skid-steer vehicles, and references the levelling assembly and mounting options including directly to the existing blade of vehicles as well as other mounting arrangements is provided. Preferred embodiments of a levelling apparatus include a blade body portion and body mounting portion connected by an arrangement of fixed and adjustable linkages, preferably hydraulic, to allow movement of the blade body portion (relative to the body mounting portion) in substantially an up and down direction, as well as rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the general plane of an attached blade.

Abstract: A blade apparatus for a work vehicle comprises a blade and first and second link anchors mounted to the blade. Each link anchor comprises a plurality of mounting points for adjusting the pitch of the blade.

Abstract: A dozer blade control system controls the position of a bulldozer blade, maintaining the blade at a constant position as the dozer travels through a worksite. The control system monitors the angle of the dozer blade with respect to the earth and when it senses that the dozer blade is tilting, it corrects the dozer blade's position by extending or retracting hydraulic cylinders that couple the dozer blade to the chassis of the crawler-tractor. When the dozer chassis pitches forwards, the blade begins to tilt forward and to drop closer to the ground. The control system senses this forward rotation of the blade and retracts the hydraulic cylinders that couple the blade to the chassis, causing the blade to return to and maintain its original position.

Abstract: A pitch control system for a bulldozer having a bulldozer blade that is mounted to a blade linkage. The bulldozer blade is coupled to the blade linkage by a bearing that permits the right and left angling movement of the bulldozer blade and the forward and rearward pitch of the bulldozer blade relative to the blade linkage. An angling control valve hydraulically positions two hydraulic angling cylinders for angling the blade right and left relative to the blade linkage. A hydraulic dump valve is hydraulically positioned between the angling hydraulic control valve and the hydraulic angling cylinder, the hydraulic dump valve having a dump position and a checked position. A linear actuator in the form of a hydraulic pitch cylinder is operatively positioned between the blade linkage and the blade for selectively adjusting the pitch of the blade relative to the blade linkage. A pitch control valve is used to selectively position the pitch cylinder.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing mast tilting angle of a cargo equipment with a tilt-cylinder for controlling the angle of the mast; a main valve for driving said tilt-cylinder according to the operation of the driver as to the direction of the hydraulic fluid; and a plurality of solenoid valve, selectively opening fluid passages in response to electric signals, and deciding the supply direction of the hydraulic fluid to drive said tilt-cylinder. The tilt-cylinder controls the mast angle through the supply of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for the pitch cylinders (4A, 4B) of a bulldozer blade apparatus can include (a) main hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and an assistant hydraulic pump (31) to make up the assistant hydraulic circuit, (b) variable displacement hydraulic pumps (21A, 21B), or (c) fixed displacement hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and a plurality of solenoid selector valves such that the pitch cylinders can be connected in series. The assistant hydraulic pump (31) is connectable to delivery lines of the main hydraulic pumps through an assistant solenoid selector valve (32) which is controlled by an external signal. The blade (10) can be formed so that a line (14) tangential to the lower edge of the curved panel of the blade is inclined rearwardly with respect to the front face (13) of the blade edge member (12). Earth-moving work can be performed by inclining the blade (10) rearwardly by an angle (.theta..sub.

Abstract: A control system regulated the tilt of an implement of an earlier working machine. Fluid operated lift and tilt cylinders are connected to the implement. Hydraulic control valves deliver pressurized hydraulic fluid to the lift and tilt cylinders. A control lever produces an implement tilt command signal in response to position of the control lever. A controller receives the implement tilt command signal and responsively delivers an implement tilt control signal to the hydraulic valves to cause pressurized fluid flow to actuate at least one of the lift and tilt cylinders to tilt the implement. First and second displacement sensors produce first and second position signals indicative of the extension of the respective lift cylinders.

Abstract: A mechanism to interfit between the bucket of a front end loader and its support and tilting arms allows the bucket be tilted in a laterally extending vertical plane. The mechanism provides a rear plate, having rearwardly extending fastening structure to pivotally interconnect to the support and tilting arms, pivotally carrying a front plate having forwardly extending fastening structure to immovably interconnect the bucket. The pivotal interconnection of the front plate with the rear plate is accomplished by a medial journaling pin, journaling channels at each lateral end of the rear plate that carry the lateral portions of the front plate and a medial nut and bolt combination extending therebetween to allow limited pivotal motion. A first species of mounting mechanism powers the tilting motion of the bucket by an asymmetrically positioned, horizontally extending hydraulic cylinder, and a second species powers the tilting motion by an asymmetrically positioned, vertically extending hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically controlling the position of an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine in response to varying ground profiles.

Abstract: A twin-scrape dozer, capable of maintaining a satisfactory balance during earth loading, of loading a larger quantity of earth, of efficiently conveying earth even over a soft ground, and of adjusting the rate at which earth is scattered, has a crawler type tractor (1, 1A) equipped with a traveling mechanism, a front earth loading and ejecting device (10, 50), and a rear earth loading and ejecting device (30, 70). The traveling mechanism has track frames (2, 2A) at right and left sides of the vehicle (1, 1A), track shoes (5, 5A) and drive units (6, 6A). The earth loading and ejecting devices are provided at the front and rear parts of the vehicle (1, 1A), and are installed to be vertically movable with lift cylinders (13, 33, 56, 78). Each of the earth loading and ejecting devices is provided with a scraper (21, 34, 53, 75) and a bowl member (14, 41, 61, 81) pivotably connected together by pivot pins (22, 42, 62, 83).

Abstract: An automatic lift and tip coordination system for use in connection with an off-highway vehicle having an implement causes an automatic adjustment to the implement lift actuators in response to an operator change in the implement tip angle so that the implement height remains constant.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle having an earth moving implement has a tilt function associated with the implement. For example, a bulldozer has a tilt function associated with the bulldozer blade. The vehicle has a processor adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor associated with the tilt function of the implement. The operator engages a switch to activate an automatic tilt function. A selector switch is provided so that the operator can select between a plurality of pre-set blade angles. The selector switch outputs a target position signal associated with a pre-set angle to the processor. The processor automatically calculates a command signal for the tilt function based on the difference between the position signal and the target position signal. The processor issues the command signal to the tilt function causing the tilt function to move the implement to the pre-set angle associated with the switch position.

Abstract: The caterpillar track attachment is provided for a vehicle having a drive shaft and a steering mechanism. The attachment comprises a pair of endless caterpillar tracks for propelling the vehicle, a frame for supporting the vehicle, drive devices to be operatively connected to the drive shaft and engaging the tracks for transmitting motive power from the drive shaft to the tracks, and a hydraulic device to be coupled to the steering mechanism for providing at least one hydraulic fluid outlet controlled by commands from the steering mechanism. The frame has securing devices for connecting the vehicle onto the frame, and a pair of spaced apart elongated side members around which the tracks are respectively mounted. Each of the members has front and rear sets of wheels located substantially at its front and rear extremities for guiding therearound the corresponding track, and straight slides located at its lower portion between the corresponding rear and front sets of wheels for guiding the corresponding track.

Abstract: A system includes two lower articulated longitudinal arms (6, 7) provided on their front ends with two bottom hitching points (8, 9), and an upper arm (10) in the middle, for hitching an implement at a third point; valves for controlling the rise and descent of the two lower arms and of the upper arm are provided, and the implement (3) is equipped with hitching members (11) corresponding to the three point hitch of a tractor; a rigid intermediate support frame (12) is provided for connection between the implement and the arms (6, 7, 10); the frame includes two bottom lateral points (13, 14) and one top middle point (15) for hitching the implement, and two lateral top points (16, 17) intened to be connected to the third top hitching point (10) of the tractor by connection jacks of variable length; the two lower arms (6, 7) are independent and can assume different inclinations, and the two lower lateral portions (22, 23) of the frame (12) are hitched to the two bottom points (8, 9), the assembly being such that

Abstract: A front hoe attachment for a loader includes a connecting frame which is capable of being attached to the manipulating mechanism at the front end of a loader such as a tractor. The connecting frame has a bucket secured to its outer end so that the bucket can be manipulated by use of the loader to perform various operations such as digging operations.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to permit independent setting of pitch and tilt of dozer blades without necessitating complex hydraulic circuitry or mechanical linkage. The blade is pivotally supported by two forwardly extending push beams. A strut is connected at one end to one of the push beams and is connected at its other end to the dozer blade via a cam assembly. The cam assembly permits dozer blade pitching to take place without interacting with the dozer blade tilt angle. In a preferred embodiment, two struts are used at opposite ends of the blade and are each connected to their respective side of the blade by a respective cam. The two cams are linked together and synchronized so that their stroke equally pitches the sides of the dozer blade.

Abstract: A connecting link for use on a bucket loader mountable on a tractor to control the pivotal movement of the bucket relative to the mounting frame to which the bucket is attached is disclosed wherein first and second members are telescopically associated to permit a varying of the effective length of the connecting link. A first pin is engageable through a first set of alignable holes through the first and second members to fix the telescopic position of the connecting link in an operative position. The first pin has a size sufficient to withstand the operating forces exerted on the connecting link during operation of the bucket. A second pin is engageable with the first and second members through a second set of alignable holes therethrough to shorten the effective length of the connecting link to a transport position and permit a rollback of the bucket for transport.

Abstract: Fluid control circuits commonly control actuation of a pair of cylinders for positioning an earthmoving blade. The known circuits for providing the three operating modes of the cylinders utilize a separate control valve for each cylinder thereby making precise positioning of the blade difficult since such positioning requires coordinated control of both valves. The subject fluid control circuit includes a selector valve for determining the direction of fluid flow to and from the head end and rod ends of the tilt cylinders and a single control valve for modulating and controlling the fluid flow from the pump to the cylinders. With this circuit, the selector valve can be prepositioned in the desired position prior to actuating the control valve so that dual cylinder tip, dual cylinder tilt, and single cylinder tilt of the blade is readily controlled by manipulation of only the single control valve.

Abstract: Improved support structure for the blade of a bulldozer and the like wherein a first push arm is attached for swiveling movement to the tractor frame near the rear end thereof and extends into swiveling connection with the blade and a second push arm is attached to the opposite side of the tractor frame for swiveling movement relative thereto and extends to the blade and is pivotally connected thereto. A second end of the second push arm has a pair of spaced pivotal connections to the blade to provide lateral stability between the blade and the second push arm. An adjustable strut mounted on the first push arm is pivotally connected with the blade. A tilt cylinder is mounted on the second push arm and is connected with the blade. Actuation of the tilt cylinder in cooperation with the strut causes tilting of the blade. Bending stresses are avoided in the push arms due to the swivel connection between the push arm and the tractor frame and the swivel connection between the first push arm and the blade.

Abstract: A hitch for mounting an implement on the front end of a vehicle relative to he normal travel direction thereof has a main frame having a rear end pivoted on the vehicle about a generally horizontal rear main axis and a front end spaced forward therefrom in the travel direction. An actuator, normally a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, is connected between the front end and the vehicle for pivoting the main frame about the main axis. A swivel joint at the front end carries the implement so that it can swivel freely on the front end by means of this joint. A rigid yoke pivoted on the front end about a front axis parallel to the rear axis has an upper end and is movable only about the front axis on the main frame. An inextensible link extends generally in the travel direction and has relative thereto a rear end pivoted on the upper end of the yoke and a front end pivoted on the implement.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for pitch and tilt control of a dozer blade attached to push arms on a vehicle with a pitch ram connected between one push arm and the blade and a dual actuator consisting of a second pitch ram and a tilt ram connected at their head ends. A pitch valve directs hydraulic fluid to and from the pitch rams with a diverter/combiner valve interposed therebetween to assure a flow of fluid either to said rams or from said rams at equal rates. Pilot-operated check valves hydraulically lock the pitch rams until opened by pressure directed from said pitch valve. Tilt and lift valves directs fluid pressure to and from the tilt ram and a lift ram respectively with regeneration capability for both tilt and lift functions.

Abstract: An excavator has a dozer blade coupled to transversely spaced first and second fore-and-aft extending drive housings thereof by first and second separate push beams having their respective forward ends universally coupled to the blade. The first push beam has its rear end universally connected to the first drive housing while the rear end of the second push beam is connected to the second drive housing by an angling link which is swingable fore-and-aft so as to cause fore-and-aft movement of the second push beam; a length adjustable jack forms a stabilizer strut which is coupled between the first push beam and the blade so as to maintain the latter in a desired pitch. Individual lift actuators are connected to the push beams for selectively adjusting the latter vertically either together or separately. A side load transfer strut is connected between the forward end of the first push beam and the second drive housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for angling, pitching, and tilting a dozer blade utilized in a conventional bulldozer wherein the blade is pivotally connected by an angling frame to the forward ends of push arms. A tilt-pitch control assembly for the blade is provided including a pitch cylinder, a pitch-tilt cylinder, a torsion bar, and drag link connections. The pitch cylinder and pitch-tilt cylinder are each pivotally attached to the torsion bar by the drag link connections. If a load is applied against one side of the blade, the load is transmitted to the pitch cylinder or pitch-tilt cylinder closest to the loaded side of the blade thereby causing some movement of that cylinder. The cylinder which is under load transmits any movement through its respective drag link connection into a turning movement on the torsion bar.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling pitch and tilt of a dozer blade in which two cylinders are connected between the dozer blade and the dozer push arms. One cylinder only is extended and retracted to achieve tilt, and both cylinders are operated in unison to achieve pitch with divider valves assuring that equal volumes of hydraulic fluid reach each cylinder and are expelled from each cylinder. Extension and retraction is selectively determined by a directional control valve, while a selector valve determines whether both cylinders or only one cylinder is connected with the directional control valve.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement is disclosed for connecting a dozer blade and pushbeams which reduces blade roll-back during lifting thereby making it substantially more difficult for dirt and the like to cling to the blade. The linkage arrangement includes a pair of leveling link assemblies which are mounted to the pushbeams on opposite sides of the tractor frame. An adjustable strut is connected between one of the leveling link assemblies and the upper edge of the blade, and a tilt cylinder is connected between the upper edge of the blade and the opposed leveling link assembly. As the blade is raised, the adjustable strut and corresponding leveling link assembly automatically force the blade into a relatively vertical attitude thereby reducing blade roll-back. Actuation of the tilt cylinder permits the blade to be tilted while the blade is being kept at the vertical attitude established by the leveling link assembly and adjustable strut.

Abstract: A distinguishing feature of the present invention lies in that the element compensating the power loads is installed in the body of the non-angling blade and made in the form of a vertical joint which forms, together with the horizontal joints of the push arms, a three-dimensional system of joints arranged in the mutually perpendicular planes.