Abstract: A robotic vehicle has legs and propellers to enable it to walk, fly, and or swim.

Abstract: A system for uncovering a trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine and a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched with a saw blade contained therein. The blade is supported on a hub which is slidably movable relative to the frame by operation of a linear actuator, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The vertical location of the blade within the frame is continuously adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench. A monitoring system is provided to monitor the vertical location from an operator station.

Abstract: A work machine includes an unload lever swingably supported by an operation box, the unload lever being configured to be swung to select whether or not to supply an operation fluid to the hydraulic actuator. The unload lever includes a second guide pin to move in a first guide groove in accordance with the swinging of the unload lever, the second guide pin being positioned on a first end of the first guide groove when the unload lever is positioned to a pushed-down position and positioned on a second end of the first guide groove when the unload lever is positioned to a pulled-up position. The first guide groove includes a first latch portion to latch the second guide pin at the first end of the first guide groove, and a second latch portion to latch the second guide pin at the second end of the first guide groove.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a map information storage unit 18 storing map data 18A representing a travelable area for a dump truck 7; a work machine information accumulation unit 19 accumulating position data 6A and operational data 6B of a hydraulic excavator 6; an operational range arithmetic processing unit 21 calculating an operational range of the hydraulic excavator 7 on the basis of the position data 6A and the operational data 6B accumulated in the work machine information accumulation unit 19; and a map information update unit 22 verifying the operational range of the hydraulic excavator 6 calculated by the operational range arithmetic processing unit 21 against the map data 18A stored in the map information storage unit 18 in order to correct the boundary 18a of the loading site 1 in the map data 18A and then update the map data 18A.

Abstract: A method of construction project management is disclosed. In one embodiment, parameters of a construction project design are provided to an asset at a construction site. Geospatial information is then collected by the asset while the asset is implementing parameters of the construction project design at the construction site. The geospatial information is provided to a construction management computing system in real-time. The construction management computing system is remote from the asset. Progress on the construction site design is then dynamically updated in real-time by the construction management computing system based on the geospatial information to create a real-time, as constructed model of the construction project.

Abstract: One or more powertrains can include a motor-generator disposed therein that is electrically coupled to an energy storage device through an inverter gate. A regulation strategy can monitor operation of the powertrain to regulate the inverter gate to selectively discharge energy from the energy storage device to the motor-generator to assist the powertrain or to charge energy from the motor-generator to the energy storage device for future use. In an aspect, the regulation strategy may maintain a consistent speed of an internal combustion engine associated with the powertrain. In another aspect, the regulation strategy may regulate simultaneous operation of first and second powertrains disposed a parallel relation.

Abstract: A device configured to bury a conduit in the bed of a body of water has a digging module configured to dig a trench in the bed of the body of water; a manipulating module configured to feed conduit sections into the trench; and a push module configured to join the conduit sections inside the trench and move the device in a travelling direction.

Abstract: A reference model generates a model output indicative of modeled operations of one or more worksites. The model output is compared against actual operation data indicative of actual worksite operations. A recommendation engine generates recommendations to adjust the worksite operations so that they more closely conform to the model operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring salinity of interstitial water in a soil sample, the apparatus including: an air supplier that generates a stream of high-pressure air; an air nozzle from which the high-pressure air, supplied from the air supplier, is ejected; a soil-compressing tank into which the high-pressure air, ejected from the air nozzle, is introduced and which compresses a soil sample contained therein to squeeze interstitial water from the soil sample; and a water tank which collects and stores the interstitial water drained from the soil-compressing tank and in which a salinity-measuring sensor for measuring salinity is installed to measure salinity of the interstitial water.

Abstract: Boom for a working machine includes a forked base support pivotally supported by a machine body. A base support of the boom has a hose introduction hole for inserting a hydraulic hose from the machine body into the boom main body. A swelling part extends upward from a fore end side toward a forked side so as to correspond to an inner surface side of an upper wall and skirt parts extend downward from a lateral center of a top part of the swelling part toward upper surfaces of left and right leg parts.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a turning electric motor configured to drive a turning mechanism configured to cause an upper-part turning body to turn relative to a lower-part traveling body and a control unit configured to control driving of the turning electric motor. The control unit is configured to cause the output of the turning electric motor to continue after the turning speed of the upper-part turning body becomes zero, based on the magnitude of the output or the direction of the output of the turning electric motor at the time when the upper-part turning body is decelerated and its turning speed becomes zero.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails.

Abstract: An excavation system utilizes a vacuum truck having a vacuum system in combination with a small backhoe to which an excavator assembly is affixed to the backhoe extendable and articulating arm whereby manipulation of the excavator assembly can be controlled by an operator positioned in the backhoe operator cab. The vacuum assembly and the excavator assembly are operatively attached by an elongated, at least partially flexible vacuum hose operatively attached to the vacuum truck pump to permit material that is excavated to be transported from the excavator assembly to the vacuum assembly for storage or disposal.

Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit having a bucket, a designed landform data storage part storing designed landform data, a bucket position data generation part that generates bucket position data, a designed surface data generation part, and an excavation limit control part. The designed surface data generation part generates superior and subordinate designed surface data based on the designed landform and bucket position data. The superior designed surface data indicates a superior designed surface corresponding to a prescribed position on the bucket. The subordinate designed surface data indicates a plurality of subordinate designed surfaces linked to the superior designed surface. The designed surface data generation part generates shape data based on the superior and subordinate designed surface data. The shape data indicates shapes of the superior designed surface and the plurality of subordinate designed surfaces.

Abstract: A trench cutting apparatus comprises a main body portion, ground contacting conveying means on which the body portion is mounted and by which the apparatus can traverse the ground and at least one soil cutting device operable to cut a trench wherein the attitude of the soil cutting device is adjustable between a first use configuration configured for cutting a linear trench portion and a second use position configured for cutting a curved trench portion, said second use position being selected to minimise undercutting of a trench wall as said curved trench portion is formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cutting a trench (e.g., for a fiber optic cable or wire conductors) in an existing covering surface (e.g., a road surface), wherein the trench has a depth of approximately 10 to 12 inches and a width of approximately 0.5 to 1.25 inches. Debris from the cut trench is evacuated (e.g., vacuumed) from the trench as the trench is cut. The trench may be backfilled by flowing a non-shrinking composition into at least a portion of the trench and, after hardening of the non-shrinking composition, applying a topping material to a remaining portion of the trench. In one example, the non-shrinking composition is configured to rigidify within one hour of being flowed into the trench, be substantially impermeable thereafter (e.g., having a hydraulic permeability of less than 0.0000001 cm/s upon drying), and be non-compressible and non-expanding.

Abstract: A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.

Abstract: A method for managing haul routes in work environments comprises collecting performance data associated with a machine operating in a work environment. The method also includes determining a drive axle torque of the machine and estimating a total effective grade associated with the machine based on the drive axle torque. The estimated total effective grade is compared with a threshold level and, if the estimated total effective grade exceeds the threshold level, a design performance of the machine may be simulated based on the calculated total effective grade. Design performance data is compared with the collected performance data, and a payload limit of the machine is adjusted if the design performance is inconsistent with collected performance data.

Abstract: A rotation drive control unit configured to control the driving of the rotation mechanism of a construction machine driven to rotate by an electric motor includes a speed command output part configured to output a speed command controlling the rotation speed of the electric motor based on the amount of operation input via the operation part of the construction machine; a torque direction detection part configured to detect the direction of torque applied on the rotation shaft of the rotation mechanism; and a drive control part configured to generate a drive command driving the electric motor based on the speed command output from the speed command output part and to control the driving of the electric motor, wherein in starting rotation of the rotation mechanism, the drive control part starts driving the electric motor using the drive command if the direction of the rotation represented by the speed command output from the speed command output part and the direction of the torque detected by the torque direct

Abstract: An excavating system may include a nozzle attached to an extendable arm of an excavating vehicle and a fluid supply. The fluid supply may supply fluid to the nozzle and create a fluid stream flowing from the nozzle, where the fluid stream may excavate earth away from an underground line. A method of excavating earth away from an underground line that may include the steps of generating a fluid stream flowing from a nozzle at a flow rate greater than approximately 11 gallons per minute, and excavating earth away from the underground line by directing the fluid stream toward the earth surrounding the underground line. A method of excavating earth away from an underground line that may include the steps of generating a fluid stream flowing from a nozzle, trenching alongside the underground line with the fluid stream, and excavating earth away from the underground line with the fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traveling working machine, in particular an excavator, with an undercarriage on which the traveling gear is arranged, and an uppercarriage rotatably arranged on the undercarriage about a vertical axis of rotation. In accordance with the invention, the load-bearing steel construction of the uppercarriage is composed of at least one first and one second element, which are connected with each other via bolts and/or screws.

Abstract: A method for rehabilitating a land area comprises the step of using an excavating machine to extract dirt desired to be dispersed over the land area from another area, such as a ditch. The extracted dirt is mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped to a high-pressure spray nozzle, and is then sprayed in a thin layer over the land area desired to be rehabilitated. The slurry can also be pumped to the land area at a controllable depth to achieve a desired land profile thereat.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration level of the boom during or after raising of the boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle if the detected acceleration level of the boom is less than a minimum level during an attempt to raise the boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose band connector for connecting hose band elements, which each comprise a plurality of hoses for lines arranged in a band or strip. The hose connector comprises a flange carrier with two connecting sides as well as fixing devices, with which the hoses are flanged to the connecting sides. According to the invention at least one receiving element for a plug-type connection between a first electric line and a second electric line is formed on the flange carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a trenching machine has at least one roller assembly comprising a body rotationally supported by an axle exteriorly mounted to a trenching chain or wheel. At least a portion of the body comprises a substantially conical shape.

Abstract: A strand-like material laying device for an appliance for laying any kind of strand-like material into the ground is disclosed. The strand-like material laying device is designed to lay a more rigid strand-like material such as steel pipes into the ground, and assures that the strand-like material to be laid can smoothly be fed into a trench formed in the ground without risking that a bending radius thereof falls below a minimum allowable bending radius which depends on the type of the strand-like material to be laid. The strand-like material laying device can also be immersed into the ground to form a subterranean trench while being moved in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Another embodiment of the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels; an electronically controlled load handler supported by the chassis; a first transceiver located on the vehicle and configured to receive control signals configured to control the load handler; and a second transceiver located on the vehicle and coupled to the load handler. The first and second transceivers are configured transmit signals there between wirelessly and the second is further configured to transmit signals representative of the control signals to the load handler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear unit, in particular for foundation engineering devices, comprising a gear housing and a pressure device for changing an internal pressure present in the gear housing. For a precise pressure balance to the environmental pressure it is intended that an active setting device is arranged which can be controlled by a control device in order to change the internal pressure. The invention further relates to a method for pressure balance related thereto.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: An upper frame for construction equipment mounted to swing on a lower driving structure is provided, in which fixing pins for supporting a boom and a boom cylinder are coupled to left and right side plates that are welded on a base plate to face each other, and a plate-shaped joint connection plate is welded on the left and right side plates and the base plate, so as to support the left and right side plates by exhibiting the rigidity and flexibility against load being transferred to the fixing pins through a working device during working.

Abstract: An earth reduction tool configured to connect to a vacuum source of an earth reduction system for moving material comprising an elongated body defining a first end for connecting to the vacuum source, an opposite second end, and an elongated vacuum passage extending through the elongated body between the first and the second ends. The tool also has an elongated air passage extending from the body second end to at least a point intermediate the elongated body first and second ends, the air passage having an open first end and an open second end proximate the elongated body second end that is in fluid communication with the elongated body vacuum passage second end, wherein when the vacuum source pulls a vacuum through the elongated body vacuum passage, air is drawn up into the vacuum passage from the air passage open second end.

Abstract: There is provided a telescoping boom system for an excavating apparatus which includes a linkage member having a pivot segment and lever segment pivoted about a rotating fixed boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the fixed boom to the pivot segment. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the lever segment to a retractable outer boom. The first hydraulic cylinder extends to rotate the pivot segment away from a proximate end of the fixed boom, thus forcing the lever segment to rotate towards the proximate end of the fixed boom. The second hydraulic cylinder retracts and combines with the extension force of the first hydraulic cylinder across the linkage member to provide a retraction force to the outer boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose band connector for connecting hose band elements, which each comprise a plurality of hoses for lines arranged in a band or strip. The hose connector comprises a flange carrier with two connecting sides as well as fixing devices, with which the hoses are flanged to the connecting sides. According to the invention at least one receiving element for a plug-type connection between a first electric line and a second electric line is formed on the flange carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a roller assembly on an excavator for degrading natural and man-made formations has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along its outer diameter. The inserts have a tip adapted to impact the formation and at least one of the tips has polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond also has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius and a thickness greater that 100 inches at the apex. The diamond also has a volume that is 75 to 150 percent of a volume of a carbide substrate.

Abstract: The quad track vehicle includes a chassis including a front end, a rear end and a left side and a right side. The chassis is supported on a plurality of tracks. Each of the tracks defines a generally triangular shape. The plurality of tracks includes a front left track at the left side of the chassis, a front right track at the right side of the chassis, a rear left track at the left side of the chassis rearward of the front left track and a rear right track at the right side of the chassis rearward of the front right track. The rear tracks have rearward portions that project a first distance rearwardly beyond the rear end of the chassis. The front tracks have forward portions that project a second distance forwardly beyond the front end of the chassis. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a trencher control system that is reliable and easy to service. The trencher control system according to the present disclosure includes an improved wiring layout that, in part, results in a trencher that is more reliable and also easier to repair. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, control nodes of the control system are located near the trencher components that they control. The layout of the control nodes significantly reduces the overall wiring, and particularly reduces the amount of wiring extending to and from the cab. A method of controlling a trencher remotely is also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for a power shovel which can be manufactured at a low cost by reducing the number of parts and production man-hours and can be improved in maintenability. In the power shovel 50 which include an upper revolution structure (10) having: a body frame (11), a seat support stand (13) disposed at the rear of the body frame (11) and covering an upper part of the engine, and a device frame (12) disposed on a front part of the body frame (11) and storing hydraulic devices, side and a rear parts of the seat support stand (13) and the side part between the device frame (12) and the body frame (11) are covered by left and right side-covers (14) and (15) and a rear cover (16).

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A working machine including an internal combustion engine for supplying torque to the driving wheels of the working machine, and a transmission line arranged between the internal combustion engine and the driving wheels for transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine to the driving wheels. The working machine further including at least one hydraulic pump in a hydraulic system for moving an implement arranged on the working machine and/or steering the working machine. The transmission line includes at least one electric machine for driving or braking the driving wheels, and/or for generating electric power for the at least one hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position determination and regulation system for working devices arranged on the working arms of mobile machine-tools. Said system comprises at least one sensor and an emission/reception unit. The determination and transmission of position co-ordinates (x, y) and/or an incline (?) of the working device between the at least one sensor and the emission/reception unit are carried out in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator wherein a control valve unit having a plurality of control valves in a united form and an operation pattern switching valve for switching from one to another among combined patterns of operating valves and control valves are disposed side by side in front and rear positions respectively within a valve accommodating space formed between an upper frame base plate and a floor plate in an upper rotating body, the operation pattern switching valve is inclined forwardly downward in a state in which its upper surface side including an operating lever thereof faces an operation port being formed to the floor plate.

Abstract: A loader implement includes a support mast that is provided with a mounting area for a front loader arrangement. The loader implement includes a roll-over protective assembly that is coupled to one of the other or both of the loader implement, or support mast. The protective assembly can be selectively pivoted between a raised protective position wherein it extends over an operator's platform and a lowered non-protective position, wherein it extends forward of the operator's platform. So as to prevent the loader arrangement from being used without the benefit of the protective assembly in its protective position, the mounting area for the loader arrangement is blocked by the protective assembly when the latter is in its non-protective position and is not cleared to permit the mounting of the loader arrangement until the protective assembly is moved to its protective position.

Abstract: A trench wheel has a relatively thicker wheel center and gradually tapering side walls that produce a thinner wheel as distance from the hub increases. The wheel center is preferably fabricated from stamped metal into a hat or thimble shape, and has a skirt or brim attached thereto which assists with the retention of an elastomeric outer wheel to the wheel center. Special adapter plates are illustrated which, in combination with the wheel center, permits mounting to both front and rear axles of all popular all-terrain vehicles. A method of controlling water in a field using the trench wheels on a vehicle includes cultivating, planting, and traversing the field to displace earthen matter and thereby channel the field.

Abstract: A compact excavator includes an upper rotating body mounted rotatably on a lower traveling body, an engine arranged on a rear section of the upper rotating body in a state where a drive shaft thereof is oriented in a horizontal direction, an hydraulic pump connected to the drive shaft, and a sound attenuating plate disposed on a front side of the engine across a width of the excavator. A longitudinal discontinuity is provided in a neighborhood of the pump so as to bring the sound attenuating barrier in a backward displaced state, a blocking portion for a longitudinal discontinuity in the sound attenuating barrier is provided with through holes, pipes extending from the pump, and communicating with a hydraulic device arranged on an outer periphery side of the upper rotating body on the opposite side of the pump are laterally inserted through the through holes.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more downsizing scheme including at least one of: (i) a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic tank including a main tank and a variable capacity tank arranged separately from each other, and (iii) a variable capacity tank or hydraulic tank which is fitted to the rear surface of the upper cover of the seat-side block. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a larger hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large hydraulic excavators, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a tilt floor, which is capable of improving the maintainability around an engine and the operability and comfortability of a driver's seat and its periphery, is provided. The work vehicle with a tilt floor includes a hinge mechanism which is provided on the front end of the tilt floor to enable to turn the tilt floor toward the front of the vehicle body, the rear of the tilt floor is formed to be higher than the front of the tilt floor so to cover the headroom of an engine disposed on the rear of the vehicle body, and an operator seat is disposed on the top surface at the rear of the tilt floor.

Abstract: A wheeled work vehicle includes a traveling body including front and rear wheels, a traveling drive unit having an engine and a power transmission mechanism, a fuel tank, a work oil tank, and a vehicle frame mounting the front and rear wheels, the traveling drive unit, the fuel tank and the work oil tank. The vehicle includes a swivel base disposed upwardly of the traveling body and mounted via a swivel bearing on the traveling body, a driver's seat mounted on a rear portion of the swivel base, a steering unit disposed forwardly of the driver's seat and a ground-work implement supported on an implement support unit. The vehicle frame includes a front region mounting a front-wheel suspension unit for the front wheels, a rear region mounting a rear-wheel suspension unit for the rear wheels and an intermediate region supporting the swivel bearing.

Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.