Caterpillar Inc.

Other

Paul D Anderson

William E Allen

Walter J Bradbury

John M Hadank

Richard B League

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

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

A computer access security system controls access to a host computer from a remote terminal. The security system has a control code deriving device for deriving a control code and a subordinate access code deriving device for deriving a subordinate access code. The security system permits the remote terminal to access the host computer when the control access code matches the subordinate access code.

Computer-telephone security device

This invention is a stand for use by a painter when he manually cleans a bristle paint brush by combing it with a wire brush or brush comb.

Growing community of inventors

Kent, WA, United States of America

Paul D Anderson