Caterpillar Inc.

John M Hadank

William E Allen

Walter J Bradbury

Paul D Anderson

Richard B League

Kenneth J McGuire

David R Schricker

Todd D Creger

Rolland D Scholl

David James Edwards

David R Meinhold

Robert Quincy Elliott

James Robert Bernhagen

Ron J Penick

Charles G Boen

An operator restraint system is provided. The operator restraint system includes a seatbelt payout sensor and a seatbelt buckle assembly. The seatbelt buckle assembly includes a housing and an alarm assembly. The alarm assembly includes at least one of a light source configured to generate a visible signal and an annunciator configured to generate an audible signal. A controller is associated with at least one of the seatbelt payout sensor and the alarm assembly. The controller is configured to receive from the seatbelt payout sensor a signal indicative of a length of a seatbelt that has been withdrawn, determine whether the length of the seatbelt that has been withdrawn is within a predetermined range, and control the alarm assembly to selectively generate at least one of the visible signal and the audible signal to remind an operator regarding employment of the seatbelt based on the determination.

Operator restraint system

When compiling machine performance data it is advantageous for such data to have been acquired during periods in which the machine was in the same general operating state. The subject invention provides a system for producing historical data regarding machine operating parameters and including a plurality of sensors for producing signals indicative of the level of machine parameters. A control is included for selecting data representative of a first operating parameter in response to a dependency definition being satisfied and for processing the selected data to provide an indication of machine performance.

Apparatus and method for providing historical data regarding machine

The present invention provides, an apparatus for controllably moving a vehicle's work implement. The work implement includes a first appendage pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second appendage pivotally connected to the first appendage. The apparatus senses the geometry of the work implement and responsibly producing a plurality of position signal and produces one of a manual control mode signal and an automatic control mode signal. An operator interface produces first and second lever command signals indicative of desired movement of the work implement. The apparatus receives the one control mode signal and the first and second lever control signals and responsively produces linear motion of the end point of the second appendage along first and second work axes if the one control mode signal is equal to the automatic control mode signal.

Coordinated control for a work implement

Large work machines typically include an automatic lubrication system for lubricating critical areas during operation. In such systems it is advantageous to provide an efficient and flexible controller having substantial diagnostic capabilities. The subject inventions provides a sensor for determining the level of an operational parameter, a device for calculating a time interval being dependent on a previous lubrication event and the operational parameter, a device for producing a lubrication signal in response to the time interval reaching a predetermined interval constant, and a lubrication control for activating a lubrication system.

Automatic lubrication control

A control system is adapted to provide substantially linear movement of a work implement. The control system receives signals from at least one control lever and coordinates the movements of the work implement's appendages through coordination of hydraulic cylinders.

The work implements on earthmoving and material handling vehicles are generally controlled with two or more operator control handles or pedals that do not intuitively correspond to the movement of the implement. Generally, the assignment of the implement linkages to the controls is entirely arbitrary, and there exists little correlation between the direction of movement of the implement linkages and those of the control levers and pedals. Inconsistencies also abound between manufacturers and even among different type vehicles within a single manufacturer. These problems compromise the ability and productivity of even the most skilled operator. The invention comprises of two multi-axis joysticks that provide the operator an intuitive control interface to the vehicle. The control system of the invention also provides a coordinated control for spatial placement of the end effector of the work implement.

Intuitive joystick control for a work implement

An apparatus for controlling the fluid flow delivered to work elements of a work vehicle. In the operation of hydraulic work vehicles, when quick or multiple implement movement is required, the fluid pumps often are requested to surpass their capability in providing fluid flow to the work elements. A flow-limiting situation then occurs wherein some of the work elements are not receiving the requested flow and therefore cannot perform their requested functions. To solve this problem, the total available flow and the total requested flow from the pumps are monitored. If the total requested flow is not great enough to cause a flow-limiting situation, the operators demands are communicated to control valves which control fluid flow to the respective work elements. However, if the total requested flow is greater than the total available flow, the operators demand signals are 'scaled down' in order to prevent a flow-limiting situation. The signals are communicated to the control valves in proportion to the operator demand. Therefore, the work elements move precisely as the operator demands even under high load conditions. This apparatus proves particularly useful on machines such as hydraulic excavators, where multiple work elements are used simultaneously, and precise controllability is desired.

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Dunlap, IL, United States of America

John M Hadank