Patent classifications
E02F3/7636
WORK TOOL CAMERA SYSTEM FOR UTILITY VEHICLES
In accordance with an example embodiment, a main frame, a work tool configured to move relative to the main frame to move a material, a first imaging apparatus aimed at a first portion of the work tool to capture a first image, a second imaging apparatus aimed at a second portion of the work tool to capture a second image, an electronic processor in communication with the first imaging apparatus and the second imaging apparatus, wherein the electronic processor is configured to generate a modified image, and a display for displaying the modified image of the material being moved by the work tool, wherein the modified image is based on a combination of the first image and the second image, and the modified image omits the work tool.
OPERATOR CAB FOR MACHINE HAVING DOOR WITH SWING CONTROLLING HINGE MECHANISM
An operator cab for a machine such as a motor grader includes an access door coupled to a frame by way of a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism has abutting cam and follower surfaces with geometry to control the swinging of the access door such as under the force of gravity. The cam surface has a double-sloped profile of rotation about the pivot axis of the hinge mechanism so that the access door swing is controlled in either of a first or a second swing direction toward a dwell location of the access door.
WORK MACHINE WITH GRADE CONTROL USING EXTERNAL FIELD OF VIEW SYSTEM AND METHOD
A work machine is provided with grade control capability using an imaging system, e.g., rather than GPS. The work machine includes at least one work implement for working at least part of a terrain, and first sensors (e.g., cylinder sensors) generate signals corresponding to positions of the work implement. Second sensors (e.g., stereo cameras) generate signals corresponding to positions of representative features of the terrain (e.g., curbs) in a field of view. A controller receives the signals and determines in a local reference system independent of a global reference system: first position information corresponding to the work implement; and second position information corresponding to the representative features. According to a selected control mode, target parameters for the work implement are determined based on the second position information corresponding to the representative features, and output signals are generated corresponding to a difference between the first position information and the target parameters.
Multi-vehicle coordinated grade control system
A coordinated multi-vehicle grade control system and method includes receiving, by a first controller onboard a first work vehicle, a first grade control signal. The method and system also include receiving, by a second controller onboard a second work vehicle, a second grade control signal. Additionally, the method and system include orienting, by a first actuator of the first work vehicle, the first grading implement with respect to the first work vehicle according to the first grade control signal. Furthermore, the method and system include orienting, by a second actuator of the second work vehicle, the second grading implement with respect to the second work vehicle according to the second grade control signal. The second grade control signal is based, at least in part, on the first grade control signal to coordinate the orientation of the first grading implement with respect to the second grading implement along the grading pass.
DETERMINING OBJECT DETECTION AREA BASED ON ARTICULATION ANGLE
A controller may determine, using a first sensor device of the machine, an articulation angle of the machine. The controller may adjust, based on the articulation angle, a size of an object detection area to obtain an adjusted object detection area. The object detection area may be associated with an articulation joint of the machine.
Motor grader implement valve layout for narrow front cab
An implement valve layout associated with a machine, such as a motor grader, is provided to perform control and actuation of valves associated with a hydraulic valve block. The implement valve layout may include a control lever system having linkages and bell cranks for actuating valves of the hydraulic valve block located below a floor of the narrow front cab. An auxiliary implement valve layout may provide a second control lever system including linkages that actuate additional valves associated with the hydraulic valve block.
Drawbar Position Determination with Rotational Sensors
In a motor grader, a total drawbar position may be determined based on signals from various sensors on a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) assembly. The sensors can include rotational sensors for one or both lift arm angles, and one or both yoke primary angles in combination with sensors detecting lengths of the lift cylinders. The sensor information may be used to calculate roll, pitch and yaw angles of the drawbar relative to a frame of the motor grader.
STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED FUEL TANK
A structurally integrated fuel tank and method of assembling is disclosed. The fuel tank may comprise a body and a neck disposed on the body. The neck may be configured to be coupled to an arm of a front frame of a machine. The body may comprise a cover, an endwall and a base. The cover includes a cover hitch that defines an upper pivot bore centered about a pivot axis. The upper pivot bore is configured to receive a pivot fastener about which the fuel tank is pivotable. The endwall may be disposed below and coupled to the cover. The base may be coupled to the endwall, and may include a lower hitch that extends outward and away from the endwall. The neck and the body together define a chamber configured to store fuel. The cover is a top of such chamber.
INTERCHANGEABLE INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR WORK VEHICLE
An interchangeable operator interface system for a work vehicle has at least one controller, at least one operator interface device having a plurality of controls, and at least one interface device docking arrangement. The docking arrangement removably mounts different interface devices to alternatively physically connect them to the work vehicle and operatively couple them to the controller. Different operator interface devices have at least one common control that operates in a different mode of operation and/or in a different physical layout on the associated operator interface device. The controller is configured to effect an associated common change in state of an associated component of the work vehicle upon receiving a control input from the different common controls.
Control system for a work machine
A control system is disclosed. The control system may include a first input component to control a lean angle of at least one set of wheels of a machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the lean angle. The control system may include a second input component to control an articulation angle of an articulated joint of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the articulation angle. The control system may include a third input component to control a rotation angle of an implement of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the rotation angle.