Abstract: An operation assistance system for a work machine includes an operation assistance function and a work assistance function. Both of the operation assistance function and the work assistance function are switchable between enabled and disabled states. When the work assistance function is in an enabled state and when the work area is set outside of the stop area to surround the stop area, the operation assistance system sets the work area as the stop area such that the stop area is extended and overlaid on the work area, and automatically enables the operation assistance function when the operation assistance function is in a disabled state.

Abstract: An assembly includes a hoist or a winch, a cable, and a fleet angle sensor. The fleet angle sensor includes a frame disposed around an opening and the cable extends through the opening. A first photodetector with multiple light-receiving zones is mounted on the frame. A first light source is mounted on the frame opposite the first photodetector. A shield device is under the frame and includes a shield frame and a cover. The shield frame is around the cable and the cover extends from the shield frame toward the cable, with the cable extending through the cover.

Abstract: A system includes a hoist drive mechanism that elevates and lowers a load hook from a boom and a detector that provides obstacle location and identification information. A processor receives the obstacle location and identification information from the detector and provides obstacle avoidance data in response thereto.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement an ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting user presence. This ultrasonic sensor can detect user presence without relying on time-of-flight techniques. In particular, the ultrasonic sensor can determine that a user is present based on the occlusion of at least one receiving transducer (e.g., microphone occlusion), the occlusion of at least one transmitting transducer (e.g., speaker occlusion), or a detected change in an audible noise floor of at least one transducer. In this way, the ultrasonic sensor can continue to detect user presence in situations in which a user occludes one or more transducers of the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor can also control operation of another component within a computing device based on the presence of the user to improve the user experience and/or improve power management.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper traveling body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a hydraulic actuator, an operating apparatus configured to be operated to operate the hydraulic actuator, an object detector configured to detect an object within a predetermined area around the shovel, a gate lock lever configured to switch the operating apparatus between an enabled state and a disabled state, and a control device. The control device is configured to switch the operating apparatus between the enabled state and the disabled state separately from the gate lock lever, and to disable the operating apparatus in response to determining that the object is present within the predetermined area based on the output of the object detector while the operating apparatus is switched to the enabled state by the gate lock lever, during the standby state of the shovel.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling structure, an upper swing structure mounted on the lower traveling structure via a swing mechanism, an image capturing device attached to the upper swing structure to capture an image of an area surrounding the upper swing structure, and a display device. The display device is configured to display the image captured by the image capturing device such that distortion in a part of an edge of the upper surface of the upper swing structure is reduced compared with distortion in another part in the image.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably attached to the lower traveling body, an actuator mounted on the lower traveling body or the upper turning body, and a controller configured to set a prohibited area for an obstacle located in a work area and restrict movement of the actuator. The controller determines whether the shovel has entered the prohibited area, and slows or stops movement of the shovel in response to determining that the shovel enters the prohibited area.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system for a work machine includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of surroundings of the work machine and a display device configured to display the image of the surroundings of the work machine captured by the image capturing unit and a mark representing the position of a monitoring target. The display device is configured to display the mark in two or more different display forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crane, in particular a rotary tower crane (1), comprising a crane boom (3), from which runs a hoisting cable (6) connected to the load hook (7), as well as comprising a load hook positioning device (8) for determining the load hook position, wherein the load hook positioning device (8) has at least three electromagnetic radio modules (9) exchanging radio signals with one another, of which at least one radio module is attached to the load hook and at least two further radio modules are attached to the crane structure and/or in the environment of the crane in a spaced apart manner, as well as an electronic evaluation device for evaluating the radio signals and determining the position of the load hook from the radio signals.

Abstract: A warning system having a plurality of components including a Lidar device, an adjustment means, an audio source, a light source, a controller, and a power source. The warning system produces at least one of the audible sound and the light signal when the one or more laser beams detects a foreign object. A method for providing a warning in the event a foreign object is detected.

Abstract: A system control device (36): acquires the three-dimensional information of the work site, the weight of a load W, and the operating condition of the crane (1) via an input device (34) or a system-side communication device (33); upon acquiring the arrangement position and arrangement direction of the vehicle (2) at the work site via the input device (34), calculates the movable range of the crane (1) in the arrangement position and arrangement direction of the vehicle (2) taking the three-dimensional information of the work site into consideration; and overlays the image (M1) of the crane (1) and the movable range (A) on the two-dimensional image or the three-dimensional image of the work site displayed on a display device (35).

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for controlling an actuating device in a handling machine, comprising: comparing (24) a magnitude representative of the movement speed executed or to be executed in response to a movement request signal to a threshold representative of a maximum authorised speed and controlling an actuating device according to the result of said comparison, so as to: execute or sustain (25) the movement of a handling arm as long as the magnitude representative of the speed of the movement executed or to be executed is less than said threshold, and prevent or stop (26) the movement of the handling arm as soon as the magnitude representative of the speed of movement executed or to be executed is greater than said threshold.

Abstract: Described is a safety system for a self-propelled operating machine (1) comprises a processing unit (3) which includes: a memory module (31) in which a plurality of load diagrams is stored; a limiting module (32) configured for limiting the operational possibilities of actuators of the machine (1), on the basis of a load diagram; a measuring device (41, 42) for acquiring operating parameters relative to various operating conditions of the operating machine (1); and a selection module (33) configured for selecting from the memory module (31) a load diagram on the basis of an operating parameter acquired by the measuring device (41, 42).

Abstract: A target trajectory signal is calculated by integrating a target speed signal inputted from a suspended-load moving operation tool and passing the integrated signal through a lowpass filter. Target position coordinates of a load are calculated from the target trajectory signal. The current position coordinates of a leading end of a boom are calculated from the attitude of a crane device. An unwinding amount of a wire rope is calculated from the current position coordinates of the load and the current position coordinates of the boom. A direction vector of the wire rope is calculated from the current position coordinates of the load and the target position coordinates of the load. Target position coordinates of the boom are calculated from the unwinding amount and the direction vector. An actuation signal of an actuator is generated from the target position coordinates of the boom.

Abstract: A crane that controls an actuator on the basis of a target speed signal Vd of cargo W includes: a control device having a feedback control unit that calculates a target path signal Pd? of the cargo from the target speed signal Vd by integration to correct the target path signal Pd? on the basis of the differential of current position coordinates p(n) of the cargo W corresponding to the target path signal Pd?; and a feedforward control unit that adjusts a weight coefficient of a transfer function G(s) expressing the characteristics of the crane on the basis of a target path signal Pd1? that has been corrected. The target path signal Pd1? corrected by the feedback control unit is corrected using the transfer function G(s) for which the weight coefficient has been adjusted by the feedforward control unit.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a crane and a crane control method that can suppress load swaying when controlling an actuator on the basis of the load.

Abstract: A system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from a crushing hazard includes a sensor, such as opto-electric sensor, positionable adjacent the control panel area. A control system is programmed to control operation of the driving components based on signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A crane is provided. A slewing base camera detects a load W that is suspended by a wire rope, the current coordinate location of the load is calculated from the location of the detected load, the current coordinate location of a tip end of a boom is calculated from the position of a crane, a target velocity signal that was inputted from a manipulation tool is converted into a target coordinate location of the load, a wire rope direction vector is calculated from the current coordinate location of the load and the target coordinate location of the load, a target location of the tip end of the boom for the target coordinate location of the load is calculated from a wire rope reel-out amount and the wire rope direction vector, and an actuator operation signal is generated.

Abstract: A combination includes a cable puller having a capstan around which a pulling rope is wrapped, and a sensor configured to measure the distance the pulling rope travels during a pulling operation. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor and/or an optical sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an auxiliary battery configured to power an electrical accessory, a traction battery configured to provide power to propel the vehicle, a winch including a motor and cable, and a controller configured to, responsive to a requested torque of the motor being less than a threshold, initiate transfer of power to the motor from the auxiliary battery, and initiate transfer of power to the motor from the traction battery otherwise.

Abstract: A method automatically for adjusting the hoist speed of a drill is disclosed. The method includes determining the mast angle of the drilling implement relative to a work surface, and changing the hoisting speed of the drill implement depending on the mast angle.

Abstract: A systems and method for plotting and viewing onboard machine data with graphical user interfaces on a mobile heavy duty machine is disclosed. The method also includes displaying a list of machine systems on an onboard display of the machine. The method further includes receiving at the display a selection of a machine system from the list of machine systems. The method additionally includes displaying one or more parameters at the display based on the selected machine system. The method additionally includes receiving at the display a selection of a parameter. The method also includes displaying a graphical representation, comprising an x-axis and y-axis, of real-time data of the parameter.

Abstract: A suspended load calculation device includes a detection unit configured to detect information for specifying a load suspended by a crane, a calculation unit configured to calculate the suspended load based on a value detected by the detection unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire a boom length, in which the calculation unit corrects the suspended load by a correction value corresponding to the boom length acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: A controller controls a plurality of drives of a lifting device, wherein the controller is configured to perform a kinematic transformation of spatial position and orientation coordinates of a body and controls the drives based on the kinematic transformation. The drives can be electric drives. At least six drives are provided and regulated, so that their number exceeds the number of spatial position and orientation coordinates of the body. The lifting device is thus overdetermined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for platform occupancy detection on an aerial device are described. An aerial platform may be provided for the aerial device. A worker may perform operations in the aerial platform and connect to an interlock system thereof. The worker may have an associated transmitter configured to transmit a signal. A first receiver and a second receiver may be disposed on the aerial platform to receive the signal. Based on the time difference between receiving the signal at the first receiver and receiving the signal at the second receiver, the position of the transmitter may be triangulated. If the transmitter is determined to be within the aerial platform and the worker is not connected to the interlock system, preventive actions may be taken before operation of the aerial platform is permitted.

Abstract: A crane including a traveling body, a boom supported by the traveling body, and a camera supported by the boom, in which an image is taken by the camera, has control apparatus; a display; and a sensor for acquiring coordinates of the camera. The control apparatus acquires map information in a range of the crane, displays the map information on the display, and displays an image taken by the camera at a coordinate position of the camera on the map information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot having a receiving unit and capable of moving, the mobile robot including: at least three wheels arranged at a lower portion of the mobile robot; a sensing unit configured to measure a weight of the mobile robot applied to each of the at least three wheels; a linear actuator connected to the receiving unit and configured to apply a linear motion to the receiving unit in a direction toward a front section or a rearward section of the mobile robot; and a processor configured to, based on the weight applied to each of the at least three wheels measured by the sensing unit, control the linear actuator so as to apply the linear motion to the receiving unit. In addition, disclosed are a method for controlling a center of mass of a mobile robot, including a method performed by the aforementioned mobile robot, and a non-volatile computer readable storage medium in which a computer program for implementing the aforementioned method is stored.

Abstract: A load sensing system measures lift cylinder pressure and platform height to estimate platform load. The system functions to prevent overload and is designed to comply with regulatory requirements. The system provides the advantages of a force-based approach using simple, lower cost pressure-based measurement components.

Abstract: A working range diagram for a crane includes a boom model representing a current boom length and current lift angle. The working range diagram also includes a plurality of zones based on limit radii corresponding to different predetermined load utilizations. Each zone of the one or more zones represents a radial distance. The working range diagram further includes a load model representing a current load radius positioned relative to the one or more zones. A crane control system may generate the working range diagram.

Abstract: A work machine includes a controllable subsystem, the controllable subsystem having an actuator configured to actuate a movable element of the subsystem. The work machine also includes a control system configured to generate and send control signals to the controllable subsystem actuator, wherein the control signals cause an actuation of the actuator. The work machine also includes a self protection system configured to prevent the control system from sending a control signal to the actuator that would cause a collision between the controllable subsystem and a portion work machine.

Abstract: A lifting vehicle comprises a mobile chassis with a tiltable mast (3) and a lifting device (4,5). Alerting means (15,16) are provided for the purpose of monitoring a load on the lifting device as a result of a cargo being carried thereby. The alerting means comprise a first electronic sensor 11), which records a cargo weight, and a second electronic sensor (12) which records a cargo moment. The alerting means (15,16) are provided with automatic calibration means which, when an output signal below a predetermined threshold value is generated by the one sensor (11), sets to zero an output signal differing therefrom from the other sensor (12).

Abstract: A work machine includes: a chassis; a backhoe assembly carried by the chassis, the backhoe assembly including: a boom pivotably linked to the chassis at a boom pivot point; a boom angle sensor associated with the boom pivot point; a stick extendably linked to the boom; a stick extension sensor associated with the stick; a bucket pivotably linked to the stick at a bucket pivot point; and a bucket angle sensor associated with the bucket pivot point. A controller coupled to the boom angle sensor, the stick extension sensor, and the bucket angle sensor is configured to: determine a boom angle of the boom; determine a stick extension of the stick; determine a bucket angle of the bucket; and output a bucket location signal corresponding to a current bucket position and a current bucket orientation, relative to the chassis, based on the determined boom angle, stick extension, and bucket angle.

Abstract: A 3D point cloud is formed of the grippers of a load handling device in relation to a device which is moved horizontally above a load in the load handling device and to which the grippers are connected to be moved in the vertical direction. The grippers are positioned in relation to the horizontally movable device by comparing the formed 3D point cloud with at least one 3D model of the grippers.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting an impending tip over of a vehicle with the following steps and apparatus. Acquiring first measurement data, the first measurement data having strain data and at least one of attitude data and acceleration data. Acquiring second measurement data, the second measurement data having strain data and at least one of attitude data and acceleration data. Determining, based on the first measurement data and based on the second measurement data, if the second measurement data is indicative of an impending tip over of the vehicle. Only if it is determined that the second measurement data is indicative of an impending tip over of the vehicle, triggering an alarm signal, overriding a control command or overwriting a control command.

Abstract: A self-homing hoist includes a controller configured to initiate a self-homing process to return the hook assembly to a homed position in response to each of at least one homing factor being true. Each homing factor is true or false based on a comparison of the current condition of the homing factor with a threshold requirement. If the current condition satisfies the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is true. If the current condition does not satisfy the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is false. Where all homing factors are true, the controller can initiate the self-homing process by activating a hoist motor to drive the cable drum and reel the hook assembly into the homed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a forklift and a forklift control method. The forklift and the forklift control method according to the present disclosure may adjust a fork/mast inclination with reference to the coefficient of friction, and precedently and appropriately adjust a fork/mast inclination right before the forklift enters or exits from a slope by referring to geological information. Further, when a degree of danger is not decreased even when a fork/mast inclination is tilted backward to the largest extend, the forklift and the forklift control method according to the present disclosure may decrease a travelling speed of a vehicle by decreasing an output of the forklift or operating a brake, thereby remarkably decreasing the danger of the load falling.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a weighing device applicable in a removable manner to the fork of a fork lift or of a lifter and including an external strip to support the load to weigh; a magnetic element arranged to allow applying magnetically the external strip to the fork; and a weighing device arranged below the external strip in such a way as to detect the weight of a load overlying the external strip. The weighing device is further configured to communicate in wireless modality with an external device for the reading of the datum of the detected weight.

Abstract: Provided is a safety lighting system for an overhead crane comprising a laser generator capable of generating a laser signal; and a crane control system having a programmable logic circuit; wherein the laser generator is integrated with the crane control system; and wherein the laser generator is operable to project a laser signal onto a surface corresponding to the position of the crane or crane components and a method of using the safety lighting system to determine when an object has crossed into a designated safety zone.

Abstract: A method operates a steering system of a motor vehicle having a steerable wheel controlled using a steering wheel. The method begins by ascertaining a prevailing control angle of the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. A variable steering ratio between the prevailing control angle and a steering angle of the steerable wheel is defined. A static steering ratio from the variable steering ratio to set the steering angle of the steerable wheel is then selected.

Abstract: A crane collision avoidance system is disclosed. One example includes a load locator to determine a location of a load of a crane and provide the location information to a mapping module. In addition, a map receiver module procures a map of a site and provides the map to the mapping module. A tag scanner scans the site for one or more tags defining an obstacle and provides the obstacle information to a mapping module. The mapping module combines the location information, the map and the obstacle information into a user accessible information package that is displayed on a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A cask transport system includes a support assembly including a plurality of wheels and a support frame coupled to and supported by the wheels. The cask transport system also includes a tower disposed above the support assembly, the tower including a base portion and a tower frame coupled to the base portion, the tower frame movable relative to the base portion. The cask transport system also includes an upper beam assembly coupled to the tower frame, and a bottom block assembly coupled to the upper beam assembly, the bottom block assembly movable relative to the upper beam assembly.

Abstract: A lifting device sensor unit comprises a housing, a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, and a wireless transceiver. The housing is configured to removably couple about a load line of a lifting device. The first GNSS receiver is coupled with the housing and configured for determining a sensor unit position in three dimensions. The wireless transceiver is coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the sensor unit position to a display unit located apart from the sensor unit.

Abstract: A device for determining an extension length of an extendable machine part includes a first ultrasound sensor and a controller, the controller determining the extension length on the basis of an ultrasound signal received by the first ultrasound sensor. The first ultrasound sensor includes a first ultrasound converter and a second ultrasound converter which are arranged such that they are offset along the measuring direction.

Abstract: A lifting device sensor unit comprising a housing, a load monitor, and a wireless transceiver. The housing is configured to removably couple about a load line of a lifting device. The load monitor is coupled with the housing and configured for monitoring a load coupled with the load line, including monitoring a load position and a load orientation of the load. The wireless is transceiver coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the load position and the load orientation to a display unit located apart from the sensor unit.

Abstract: A method of lifting device load hazard avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a load hazard avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the load hazard avoidance sensor unit, monitoring for a load related hazard in a vicinity of a load coupled with the load line, the monitoring performed by a load monitor coupled with the housing and initiating at least one load related hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the load related hazard.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a load suspended with a rope, cable, net, sling or the like is disclosed. A beacon having a plurality of lights thereon may be attached to the load relative to the attachment point to the load, to an attachment point of the load or to the rope, cable sling or the like. A sensor on the lifting device senses the beacon and thus any swinging motion of the load, and a processor responsive to the sensor develops control signals that direct motion of the lifting device to dampen any swinging motion of the load.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a safety method for the lifting and/or transporting of a common load using a plurality of cranes, comprising the steps: determining of possible damage incidents for movement vectors of the cranes; activation of an alarm function if predetermined movement vectors result in damage incidents and/or limitation of the movement vectors used for the control of the cranes to those movement vectors which do not result in damage incidents in any of the cranes. Furthermore, a corresponding control method as well as a safety system and a control system are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boom system, comprising a plurality of joint arms sequentially hinged through a horizontal hinge shaft, and further comprising: mounting two length sensors on each joint arm, wherein one length sensor measures the length of a corresponding joint arm after deformation, and the other length sensor measures the length between it and the distal end of the corresponding joint arm, and there is a preset distance between the two length sensors; mounting a dip angle sensor on each joint arm, and obtaining the angle between the connection line between the two length sensors and a reference plane; a processor which obtains boom system distal end position parameters according to the detection results of the dip angle sensor and the length sensors.

Abstract: A method for detecting zonal operator presence includes receiving a sensor output from a sensor. The sensor may be located on an agricultural machine and the sensor output indicates an operating state of the agricultural machine. Once the sensor output has been received, the operating state of the agricultural machine is determined based on the sensor output. The operating state includes an operator being located within a work area of the agricultural machine. The work area is divided into a plurality of zones. An operating parameter is adjusted based on the operating state.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting operators of mobile equipment to the presence of people in monitored areas around the periphery of the mobile equipment they are operating is provided. The system includes an RFID detection system which is installed on the mobile equipment and alerts the operator to the presence of people wearing Personal Protection Equipment containing RFID safety tags. The system also includes a tag programming system which allows RFID safety tags to be created. The system also includes a tag testing system which allows a person to test the functionality of the RFID safety tags contained in the personal safety equipment they are wearing. The system also includes RFID personal safety equipment such as 3D safety vests and RFID hardhats which contains RFID safety tags. The 3D safety vests also include enhanced 3D visual markings.