Vehicle Includes Another System Operated By Same Fluid Patents (Class 180/306)
  • Patent number: 10432127
    Abstract: A cargo handling system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system includes a direct current power bus; a motor connected to the direct current power bus and having a flux reference input; a unit controller connected to the motor and configured to detect a level of regenerative energy on the direct current power bus and to alter the flux reference input in response to the level of regenerative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott Harms
  • Patent number: 10060096
    Abstract: A shovel according to embodiments of the present invention includes a lower travelling body, an upper swivel body, an operation attachment, an engine, a motor generator which is connected to the engine, a hydraulic pump which is connected to the motor generator and supplies hydraulic oil to the operation attachment, a swiveling electric motor which is mounted on the upper swivel body, a power storage device, a DC bus which electrically connects the power storage device and the swiveling electric motor to each other, and a control device, in which the control device decreases a charging/discharging limit value of the power storage device and changes a discharging requirement value which is the maximum value of power which is supplied from the power storage device to the swiveling electric motor, according to a decrease of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jitsutaka Takeo
  • Patent number: 9926946
    Abstract: A swing drive system (11) for an excavator is provided which utilizes a prime mover (20) mechanically connected to a first hydraulic pump/motor (30) and a second hydraulic pump/motor (32) mechanically connected to a swing mechanism (70). The system includes a hydraulic circuit (31) connecting a hydraulic fluid reservoir (42), a hydraulic accumulator (40), the first hydraulic pump/motor (30), and the second hydraulic pump/motor (32). The system is operable in one mode where the second hydraulic pump/motor acts as a pump to retard movement of the swing mechanism and pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump/motor is pumped into the hydraulic accumulator. The system is operable in another mode where the pressurized fluid from the hydraulic accumulator is used to assist the prime mover in driving hydraulic consumers (62,64,66), including the swing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Cullman, Hao Zhang, Richard D. Kimpel, Zhesheng Jiang, Raymond Collett, Bogdan Kozul
  • Patent number: 9923312
    Abstract: A spool apparatus is described to include in one particular example a cable spool with a first cylindrical lip and a second cylindrical lip on an opposite side of the cable spool. A center of the spool includes a clutch bearing in the center of both the first cylindrical lip and the second cylindrical lip that provides a rotational axis for the cable spool to rotate around. The apparatus may also include a feed slot near the first cylindrical lip that provides a passage for cable to pass from the second cylindrical lip to the first cylindrical lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: AMX, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas N. Laube, Michael Woodford Freitas
  • Patent number: 9751735
    Abstract: A fluidically actuatable disk brake system includes brake cylinder pairs each including brake cylinders arranged on both sides of a brake disk in at least one brake caliper. Each brake cylinder includes a brake piston and a spring arrangement which applies a spring force toward the brake disk. First and second fluid connections are provided on the brake cylinder. The first and second fluid connections supply a fluid to the brake cylinder so that a force counteracting the spring force is applied to the brake piston. A 2/2-way valve is assigned either to the first or second fluid connection of first brake cylinders of a brake cylinder pair. The first or second fluid connection which is not assigned to the 2/2-way valve is fluidically connected to the respective other first or second fluid connection of a second brake cylinder of the brake cylinder pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MHWIRTH GMBH
    Inventor: Roland Moll
  • Patent number: 9644547
    Abstract: An engine control device for a work vehicle decides that an idling stop condition is established when the front device is in the unengaged state, the steering device is in the unengaged state, the accelerator pedal is in the non-operation state, either the transmission is in the neutral state or the parking brake device is in the engaged state or the transmission is in the neutral state and also the parking brake device is in the engaged state, and the service brake device is in the unengaged state, and stops an engine when it is decided that it passes the predetermined length of time since it was decided that the idling stop condition was established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KCM Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masaki Yoshikawa, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8955636
    Abstract: A rock drilling rig and to a method for transmission thereof is provided. The rock drilling rig includes a carriage that is movable by drive equipment in a mine. The rock drilling rig includes a hydraulic drilling system for which pressure energy is generated by a hydraulic pump. The rock drilling rig is electrically driven and includes an electric motor that is connected to drive both the drive equipment and the hydraulic drilling system. The mechanical drive transmission included in the drive equipment and the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic drilling system may be connected and disconnected independently of one another by means of clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Jarno Kuittinen, Juha Piipponen
  • Patent number: 8905165
    Abstract: An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: David Johnstone
  • Patent number: 8875829
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine, wherein an upper slewing body comprises a slewing frame and first and second power units, and wherein the second power unit comprises a second engine, a second controller to control driving of the second engine, a second hydraulic oil tank, a second hydraulic pump configured to be driven by the second engine to thereby suck hydraulic oil from the second hydraulic oil tank and discharge the hydraulic oil toward a hydraulic actuator, a second fuel tank configured to store fuel, and a second support member supporting the second engine, the second hydraulic oil tank, the second hydraulic pump and the second fuel tank, and wherein the second support member is configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the slewing frame independently of a first support member of the first power unit, and the second hydraulic pump is detachably connected to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Asakage, Hironori Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8807263
    Abstract: An excavator includes a frame, and a platform on top of the frame. A hydraulic distribution system is received on top of the frame but below the platform. A pilot valve unit is at least partly received on top of the platform. The platform includes a dedicated hole capable of receiving therethrough at least that part of the pilot valve unit which is received on top of the platform. The pilot valve unit is fixed, directly or indirectly, on the platform. The pilot valve unit can be mounted from below the platform, through the dedicated hole, and is fixed on the platform from above the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Compact Equipment SAS
    Inventors: Roger Caillieret, Gregory Arnal
  • Patent number: 8789644
    Abstract: A wheel loader (50) is designed so that when a specific first condition is met for vehicle speed, accelerator opening, engine speed, and HST pressure, the engine absorption torque curve of an HST pump (4) is switched to shift the matching point from the low-engine speed side to the high-engine speed side. On the other hand, if a second condition is met for vehicle speed and HST pressure, control is performed so that the absorption torque curve of the HST pump (4) is returned from the high-engine speed side to the low-engine speed side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Masanori Ikari
  • Patent number: 8701818
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor, a vehicle speed detecting unit, a parking brake, a parking brake operating member and a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold when the parking brake operating member is operated. The control unit is configured to execute a brake control that decreases a displacement of the first hydraulic pump and increases a displacement of the first hydraulic motor without activating the parking brake when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in a state when the vehicle is traveling, and to activate the parking brake when the vehicle speed falls below the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Shigeo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8602153
    Abstract: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor, and at least one valve network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Extendquip LLC
    Inventors: Chris Osswald, Walter A. Osswald, Marcus F. Dack, Kenneth Buelt, Thomas E. Price, Jr., Alan Severns, Jeffrey A. Wierschke, Joe A. Racz, David R. Bauer, Justin D. Gasal
  • Publication number: 20130319786
    Abstract: A construction machine includes a condenser 24 for cooling refrigerant for an air conditioner; a fan 21 for cooling the condenser 24 by using forward cooling air produced during normal-rotation drive; other cooled objects such as a radiator 25 and the like disposed under the lee of the forward cooling air with respect to the condenser 24; a refrigerant pressure detector 27 for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the condenser 24; and a controller 136 for executing reverse-rotation stop processing for returning the fan 21 to the normal-rotation drive when the pressure P of the air conditioner refrigerant detected by the refrigerant pressure detector 27 reaches a preset normal-rotation return pressure P1 during reverse-rotation drive of the fan 21. Thus, the lowering of the cooling effect of an air conditioner can be suppressed while reducing the burden of cleaning an engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keigo Kikuchi, Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8589038
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a working machine provides improved safety during forced regeneration. Upon input of a forced regeneration command signal from a forced regeneration switch, a controller detects non-operated states of all hydraulic actuators such as an arm cylinder arranged on a hydraulic excavator based on a lock detection signal from a gate lock detection switch, and also an attitude of a front working mechanism. The attitude is proper from the standpoint of safety. The detection is based on an arm angle signal from an arm angle sensor, a bucket angle signal from a bucket angle sensor and a boom pressure signal from a boom pressure sensor. Taking the detection of the non-operated states and proper attitude as conditions, the controller outputs control signals to a boosting proportional solenoid valve and flow-rate controlling, proportional solenoid valve to make a forced regenerator conduct forced regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hagiwara, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Sato, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa, Masanori Ezawa
  • Patent number: 8550193
    Abstract: An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: David Johnstone
  • Patent number: 8494733
    Abstract: A prime mover rotation speed control system for hydraulically driven vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover; a hydraulic motor for traveling driven with pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; an operation member that outputs a travel command in accordance with an amount of operation by the operation member; a flow control device that controls one of a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor and a flow rate of the pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic motor, based on the travel command that is output in accordance with the amount of operation by the operation member; a target rotation number outputting device that outputs a target rotation number of the prime mover based on a command; a rotation number control device that controls a rotation number of the prime mover to be the target rotation number; a vehicle speed detection device that detects a vehicle speed; and a vehicle speed calculation device that calculates a target vehicle speed in acco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kodaka, Hidetoshi Satake, Youichi Kowatari, Yuuki Gotou, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 8479869
    Abstract: This invention relates to a machine, in particular a construction machine and preferably a wheel loader or dumper, comprising a pump, an energy accumulator connected with the pump, which includes a first space which is gas-filled and which includes a second space which is designed such that in operation of the pump it is filled by a fluid delivered by means of the pump, wherein the gas contained in the first space is compressed, and comprising a hydraulic motor to be driven by means of the energy accumulator, wherein the energy accumulator is designed such that the ratio of the volume of the first space with fully loaded second space to the volume of the first space with non-loaded second space is >0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Hans Knapp
  • Patent number: 8464826
    Abstract: A hydraulic traveling vehicle includes a right-travel motor a left-travel motor, a hydraulic pump, a merging/diverging valve and a travel switching unit. The merging/diverging valve is configured to switch between merging and separating a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. The travel switching unit is configured to switch between a state where sharp turning takes place as a result of one of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being stopped and the other being driven, with the merging/diverging valve being in a merging state, and a state where gentle turning takes place as a result of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being driven at different rotational speeds, with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Yamada, Jun Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8453783
    Abstract: A vehicle with a load sensing hydraulic control system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eric Hamkins, Steve Gary Fleischmann, Mark Schultz, Lynn Russell, Kristen D. Cadman
  • Patent number: 8447477
    Abstract: A control device of a forklift engine that secures operability by keeping down fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is floored in an unloaded or lightly loaded state, and once a heavy cargo is loaded, by lifting the cargo at a maximum lifting speed and traveling with maximum travel performance without acceleration problems. At least two maximum torque curves of different magnitudes are set in advance on a torque curve diagram. Then, the weight the cargo loaded on an attachment is measured. A threshold value for selecting at least two maximum torque curves is determined. If the measured weight is less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a smaller maximum torque value is selected. If the measured weight is not less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a larger maximum torque value is selected. The engine is controlled using the selected maximum torque curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Harada, Yoshitaka Onodera, Jun Hashimoto, Hideyuki Hiraiwa, Kazunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8424630
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine in a hydrostatically driven vehicle having high and economy modes may include monitoring one or more control inputs. When in the economy mode the engine may be operated: at a fixed propel neutral speed when a propel control input is in a neutral position; at a fixed propel drive speed when the propel control input is in a drive position and a propel pump displacement signal is less than a maximum displacement position of a propel pump; and at a variable drive speed when the propel control input is in the drive position and the propel pump displacement signal indicates a maximum displacement position. The economy mode conserves fuel while ensuring that sufficient engine power is maintained to operate the propel and any implement pumps provided on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Patrick Lenton
  • Patent number: 8323151
    Abstract: Systems and methods of driving and controlling pneumatic and hydraulic devices and, more particularly, to a system and method of driving a hydraulic pump via one output shaft of a motor, and driving a pneumatic compressor via another output shaft of the motor via a clutch. When a user control is engaged, a control system causes the motor to operate at a higher speed, driving the hydraulic pump faster to produce additional hydraulic pressure. When a low air pressure condition is sensed in the pneumatic system, the control system causes the motor to operate at the higher speed and engages the clutch, allowing the pneumatic compressor to supply additional air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Capacity of Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Roberts
  • Patent number: 8290672
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vehicle, including receiving an operator input indicative of a desired power for at least one predetermined function, and variably controlling at least one pressure-actuated friction slip clutch in a vehicle powertrain in response to the received operator input in order to control a torque transmitted via the friction slip clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Björn Brattberg, Daniel Jansson
  • Patent number: 8276705
    Abstract: A wheel loader having good operability. The wheel loader has a machine body travelably supported on wheels; a working device supported on the machine body, the working device having a boom swingably supported at its base end side on the machine body, an arm swingably supported at and connected to the forward end side of the boom, and a working tool swingably provided on the forward end side of the arm; travel operation means for performing travel operation of the machine body; and a brake for braking, when the travel operation means is not operated and the arm is swung, the wheels in operative association with the swing of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Kunihiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8181731
    Abstract: A drive train for a work vehicle comprises: an engine mounted to a vehicle body such that an output shaft of the engine extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle body; a hydrostatic transmission having a pump shaft, a motor shaft, and a housing, the hydrostatic transmission being mounted to the vehicle body such that the pump shaft and the motor shaft extend in the lateral direction; a mechanical transmission having a plurality of transmission shafts each of which extends in the lateral direction. A pump side portion of the housing of the hydrostatic transmission is connected to an end plate of the engine and a motor side portion of the housing is connected to a casing of the mechanical transmission so that the housing extends from the engine to the mechanical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Bessho, Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Hiroshi Shimada, Takafumi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8185279
    Abstract: A control system (100) for traction transmission has at least two multi capacity motors (M1, M2), which are adapted to rotate a vehicle's wheels (J1, J2) and which multi capacity motor (M1) is arranged to rotate a traction wheel (J2), and the multi capacity motor (M2) is arranged to rotate another traction wheel (J1), whereby motor parts (M1a and M2a) of partial rotational volumes of the multi capacity motors (M1, M2) can be connected in series, whereby the anti-slip is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Sampo-Hydraulics Oy
    Inventor: Roni Ryyppö
  • Patent number: 8167078
    Abstract: An object is to provide a work vehicle whose drive portion can be downsized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Yasutaka Fuke, Hideki Hashimoto, Masataka Kawaguchi, Kiyomitsu Ogawa, Hiroyuki Sugiura, Hiroyuki Kanazawa, Koichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8109356
    Abstract: A vehicle having an auxiliary power system for supplying power to an implement is disclosed. The power system includes a power enablement device having an enablement component that allows or prevents supplying power to the implement, and an auxiliary actuator operably coupled to the power enablement device. The auxiliary actuator can be manipulated between a first, de-actuated position and a second, actuated position. An operator actuable continuous actuation device is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, providing an actuation signal indicative of its position. A continuous enablement actuator is capable of engaging the enablement component when the enablement component is in the actuated position to discourage the enablement component from moving to the de-actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Timothy John Brock, Troy David Kraft
  • Publication number: 20120003069
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a working machine provides improved safety during forced regeneration. Upon input of a forced regeneration command signal from a forced regeneration switch, a controller detects non-operated states of all hydraulic actuators such as an arm cylinder arranged on a hydraulic excavator based on a lock detection signal from a gate lock detection switch, and also an attitude of a front working mechanism. The attitude is proper from the standpoint of safety. The detection is based on an arm angle signal from an arm angle sensor, a bucket angle signal from a bucket angle sensor and a boom pressure signal from a boom pressure sensor. Taking the detection of the non-operated states and proper attitude as conditions, the controller outputs control signals to a boosting proportional solenoid valve and flow-rate controlling, proportional solenoid valve to make a forced regenerator conduct forced regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Naoki Hagiwara, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Sato, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa, Masanori Ezawa
  • Publication number: 20110308879
    Abstract: A wheel loader (50) is designed so that when a specific first condition is met for vehicle speed, accelerator opening, engine speed, and HST pressure, the engine absorption torque curve of an HST pump (4) is switched to shift the matching point from the low-engine speed side to the high-engine speed side. On the other hand, if a second condition is met for vehicle speed and HST pressure, control is performed so that the absorption torque curve of the HST pump (4) is returned from the high-engine speed side to the low-engine speed side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Masanori Ikari
  • Patent number: 8068969
    Abstract: A power distribution system is provided having a power source configured to generate a power output. The power distribution system also has an available power module configured to determine a total available power generated by the power source. In addition, the power distribution system has one or more parasitic power request modules configured to receive a request for power from an associated parasitic device and one or more non-parasitic power request modules configured to receive a request for power from an associated non-parasitic device. The power distribution system further has a power distribution module configured to cause the distribution of power among the parasitic and non-parasitic devices. The power distributed among the non-parasitic devices is the power remaining after the parasitic devices receive their requested power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven James Juricak, Milton Carter Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8061466
    Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Corwin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
  • Patent number: 8016068
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Daniel, Norval P. Thomson, Daniel Sergison, John V. Mount
  • Patent number: 7987940
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure accumulator has an interior chamber containing a fire-suppressing gas such as nitrogen. The fire-suppressing gas in the accumulator is fluidly connected to a thermal device, such as a valve with a thermal fuse or a controlled valve triggered by a thermal sensor. The thermal device is designed to open a fluid connection between the accumulator's interior chamber to ambient when the exterior temperature exceeds a determined safety threshold, thereby releasing the fire suppressing gas from the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: James G. Bryson, Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7967099
    Abstract: Fluid control propulsion system, machine including the system, and method of controlling the propulsion of a machine having a compacting drum and a wheel mounted on an axle, drum and axle motors operatively connected with the drum and the axle, respectively, and drum and axle pumps operatively connected to an engine and fluidly connected to the pumps. A fluid control orifice disposed in fluid communication between the pumps is selectively disengageable in response to at least one of operator instruction, sensed pressure differential between the drum and axle pumps, and sensed disparity in rotational speed between the drum and axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Fausch
  • Patent number: 7931099
    Abstract: With a hydraulic traveling vehicle, a controller is configured and arranged to switch a merging/diverging valve to a merging state when a working equipment is driven with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state and with turning of the hydraulic traveling vehicle being carried out, and when a required flow rate parameter for pressurized oil of the working equipment is greater than or equal to a prescribed threshold value, and to maintain the merging/diverging valve in the diverging state when the required flow rate parameter is less than the prescribed threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Yamada, Jun Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7886862
    Abstract: A prime mover control device of a construction machine includes a hydraulic pump (24) driven by a prime mover (10), an actuator (5) driven with pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (24), and a control valve (25) that controls a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (24) to the actuator (5) in response to an operation of a first operating member (22a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tatsuno, Hidetoshi Satake, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7878280
    Abstract: A hydrogen fueled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a hydrocarbon fuel tank, and a low pressure hydrogen gas storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: K. R. Sridhar, James F. McElroy
  • Patent number: 7849952
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driver's console is rotated in the cab with the steering and speed control elements moved with the seat for the driver to face forwards and its position is detected by switches. In the engine forward position for transportation, the control system detects the seat position and operates the controls for higher speed drive and to prevent operation of the header. The engine has a series of ratings which can be selected depending upon whether the header motor is engaged so that a highest engine speed is used only when the header is disengaged and the lower speed is used for higher fuel efficiency when the header is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Don MacGregor, Brent Gabriel, James Thomas Dunn, Leonard Bergman
  • Patent number: 7841432
    Abstract: A hybrid electro-hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle and comprises a hydraulic transmission including a first hydraulic machine and at least one second hydraulic machine drivingly connected to drive wheels of the motor vehicle for driving thereof, an electric motor/generator operatively connected to the first hydraulic machine, and at least one energy storage device operable to store and release a hydraulic fluid energy or an electrical energy. The second hydraulic machine is a reversible hydraulic pump/motor unit capable to function both as a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The energy storage device is operatively connected to either the hydraulic transmission or the electric motor/generator. In a retarding mode the hydraulic transmission and/or the electric motor/generator retard the vehicle, while in a driving mode they supply a supplementary power to the drive wheels to assist propulsion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Edmund Lynn, Kenric Rose, Simon John Baseley, James A Duggan
  • Patent number: 7841430
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission case accommodating a planetary gear mechanism, a traveling speed change mechanism, a differential gear mechanism and a PTO clutch mechanism, and supporting an HST. The HST is connected to a first end wall of the transmission case positioned on one side in a vehicle longitudinal direction in a state that its HST output shaft is positioned its HST input shaft. A plurality of traveling rotational shafts forming a traveling transmission path are positioned coaxially with the HST output shaft, or on a first side of the HST output shaft in a vehicle width direction and below the HST output shaft. A plurality of PTO rotational shafts forming the PTO transmission path are positioned coaxially with or below the HST input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Shiba
  • Patent number: 7798738
    Abstract: A swivel joint for a construction machine is mounted to an upper track frame, and a body is rotatable together with a swing structure main frame in an opening through engagement between a stopper projection and a stopper plate. Tubes on the swing structure side are connected to an upper end surface of the body by using fittings in concentrated layout, and tubes on the travel structure side are connected to a lower portion of the spindle by using fittings. The body has thicker wall portions in sidewalls thereof, and a plurality of axial passages communicating with a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed inside the thicker wall portions. The plurality of axial passages are opened at the upper end surface of the body, and the tubes on the swing structure side are connected to the upper end surface of the body in concentrated layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Kawamoto, Kazuyoshi Yamada, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Kenji Itou
  • Patent number: 7798158
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning system for removing coatings from a hard surface by high pressure liquid. The system employs a combination liquid and vacuum reservoir connected to a high pressure pump for directing ultra high pressure water through a blast head mounted on a front portion of the vehicle. The cleaning system is preferably mounted on a single truck with a single prime mover. The drive-line of the vehicle is constructed and arranged to operate in two distinct modes, e.g. a transport mode and a work mode. In the transport mode, a first transmission coupled to the rear portion of the prime mover delivers torque from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle. In the work mode, the prime mover is utilized to mechanically drive the bed mounted equipment as well as provide motive force in the form of mechanical-hydrostatic transmission to propel the system at a speed suitable for marking removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Crocker
  • Patent number: 7798277
    Abstract: A system is provided for controllably absorbing energy associated with a machine. The system may include a power source configured to provide power to a hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to provide a flow of fluid to a hydraulic dissipation circuit and to one or more implement system hydraulic cylinders, and wherein the hydraulic dissipation circuit is configured to generate a load associated with the hydraulic pump. The system may also include at least one valve configured to provide the flow of fluid to the hydraulic dissipation circuit in response to one or more control signals and a controller configured to receive an input signal from an operator actuated device, and generate the one or more control signals based on the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven J. Juricak, Bradley J. LaForest, Arthur Milkowski, Michael A. Spielman
  • Publication number: 20100108426
    Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic pump including a shaft, an engine, a starter/alternator connected to the shaft, and a drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine to the shaft, and for amplifying torque produced by the starter/alternator and transmitting the amplified torque to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Lev Pekarsky, Mark R. Dobson
  • Patent number: 7699407
    Abstract: A working machine, such as an industrial truck, having a spring-loaded brake having a braking position and a release position and controlled by a brake valve producing a brake-release pressure. The brake valve is operatively connected to a service brake input device, such as a brake pedal, and can be acted upon in the direction of a reduction in the brake-release pressure arising at the spring-loaded brake when the service brake input device is actuated. It being possible, on actuation, for the service brake input device to be operatively connected to a pre-stressed spring device, which is operatively connected to the brake valve and can be acted upon in the direction of an increase in the spring force on increasing actuation of the service brake input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Dölger, Franz Huber, Andreas Hölscher, Bernward Welschof
  • Patent number: 7650958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a traction drive for a working machine, in particular an industrial truck, including an electrical converter having a generator (11), which is drive-connected to a combustion engine (12), and a traction motor (1 or 2), which is combined with the generator (11) in spatial terms to form one structural unit. In order to increase the performance of the traction drive whilst having a high degree of efficiency and in order to achieve a simple design, the electrical converter (generator 11, traction motors 1, 2) has, according to the invention, an operating voltage of more than 100 volts, in particular more than 200 volts, and is connected to a cooling liquid cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Bernward Welschof
  • Patent number: 7641018
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid-vehicle equipped with power takeoff equipment provides control over primary and redundant, relatively low output systems so that the redundant system is not damaged by concurrent operation of the primary system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E. Bissontz
  • Publication number: 20090307854
    Abstract: A suction-powered pool cleaning robot is provided, comprising a fluid outlet, configured for connection to a suction hose, and a fluid inlet, with a fluid path therebetween, a turbine, which may be any suitable device is configured to extract energy, such as in the form of rotational motion, from a fluid flow, at least partially disposed within the fluid path so as to extract energy from flow of fluid therethrough, and an electrical control system configured to regulate at least some of the operations of the robot, the control system comprising an electrical generator for providing power to the control system and configured to be driven by the turbine, and an electronic controller configured for the regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: MAYTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Efraim GARTI