Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder cover is disclosed. The hydraulic cylinder cover may have a body having a first end and a second end. The hydraulic cylinder cover may also have a flange positioned at the first end. In addition, the hydraulic cylinder cover may have a cover eye provided on the flange. The cover eye may be configured to connect to a piston rod eye of a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A payload control system includes a tool position sensor, a boom lift sensor, and a boom swing sensor. A controller is configured to determine a segment of a work cycle based upon the tool position, the boom lift, and the boom swing signal, and determine a payload moved by the tool during the segment of the work cycle.

Abstract: A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.

Abstract: A machine, such as a scraper machine, includes a bowl, a cutter and a loading apparatus coupled with the cutter and including a chute having a first end disposed outside the bowl, and an auger positioned at least partially within the chute. The auger includes at least one auger, and is configured to move work material between the first and second ends of the chute. A method of operating the scraper machine includes capturing work material at least in part by moving the cutting edge of the scraper machine through the work material, and conveying work material from the chute into the bowl at least-in part by rotating the auger.

Abstract: A load handling system of an industrial vehicle includes a pantograph attachment that provides a variable reach. A sensor provides position feedback for the pantograph attachment. A processor then determines a maximum allowable reach of the pantograph attachment according to the position feedback and other vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: The cement hopper attachment includes a raised hopper supported atop two uprights extending from a rectangular base. The hopper has a forward mounted gate and cement chute. A hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic controls actuates the gate of the hopper. The shape and configuration of the hopper is design to provide an unobstructed view from the skid steer of the cement dispensed from hopper. The hopper attachment also includes a pair of retractable support wheels, which support the weight of the loaded hopper attachment and prevent rocking and tipping forward under the weight of the loaded hopper attachment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground-engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Device and methods for air assisted loading of soil in an earth moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth moving apparatus. An earth moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding side walls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth moving apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the earth's surface by removing soil from the surface, moving the soil to a new location and filling low areas. It comprises a frame carried by at least two wheels, a tongue mounted to the frame for attachment to a tractor, a cutting blade mounted on the frame, and a bucket pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the blade to receive the soil cut by the blade. The wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame for movement of the wheels about the back wall and floor of the bucket between a first position and a second position. When the wheels are in the second position, a portion of each of the wheels underlies a portion of the floor of the bucket bringing the wheels closer to the center of gravity of the apparatus and its load.

Abstract: Weight sensors coupled to the bed of a conventional haulage truck measure the weight applied to each tire strut as the truck is being loaded. Based on the weight applied to each strut, the exact position of the center of gravity of the load in the truck's bed is calculated and displayed on a monitor relative to a target position deemed optimal for uniform weight distribution. Based on this information, the operator of the loading machine can complete the loading operation in such a way as to shift the center of gravity toward the chosen target position. In another embodiment of the invention, an automated algorithm calculates and displays where the next bucket load should be dropped, based on its approximate weight, in order to shift the center of gravity toward the target location.

Abstract: An earth mover includes a scraper bowl with an arcuate bottom wall and a pair of side walls attached to a frame. An ejector panel is supported by a pair of pivoting support links, each of which is pivotally attached to the frame above the upper limit of the bowl side walls and each of which is also pivotally attached to the ejector panel. The ejector panel is selectively movable through a shallow arc which mirrors the shape of the of the bowl bottom wall while the pair of support links support the ejector panel in a substantially upright position as it moves from a forward, ejecting position to a retracted position in which the ejector panel forms a rearward wall for the scraper bowl.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system for loading a bucket of an earthmoving machine includes sensors for sensing when the machine is crowding a pile of material to be loaded. A command signal generator monitors the sensed "crowd" parameters to trigger one of a learning or playback mode for hydraulic cylinder command signals when the parameter indicates pile contact.

Abstract: An earth mover scraper combination having chain driven elevator drive sprockets for each of two chains which are mounted on plates that include pins extending into the frame of the elevator support. Two jacks are likewise inserted into the frame of the elevator support and can be used to force the pins away from the frame support thereby forcing the sprocket away from the frame support and tensioning the chain. Preferably, the jack is a hydraulic jack that can be operated with a simple grease gun. Metal shims are then placed between the mounting bracket and the frame assembly to maintain the chain tension.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a machine having a rotatable body and includes a light signal source, a sensor connected to the rotatable body for producing electrical signals in response to receiving the light signal, and a device controlling the rotational speed of the rotatable body in response the electrical signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a predetermined amount of contaminated overburdened soil. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to move along the soil. It is advanced forward and controlled by a backhoe or other crane configuration. A blade is attached at the front end of the container to cut a predetermined layer of overburdened soil. Vertical plates are included to cut the edge of the soil at the outer ends of the blades and confine the soil within the container. An air control device is also provided for controlling the flow of airborne particulates resulting from the cutting operation.