Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Peter R Hildner

Paul Anthony Dvorak

David P Smith

William Christopher Swick

Nathan T Schenkel

W Chris Swick

Rick D Vance

John S Bibb

Tim A Green

Earthmoving machines are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. A locking system between the machine linkage and the implement is positioned between the components and includes a hydraulic system which continually applies pressurized fluid to the locking system.

Hydraulic control for a quick coupler

A braking apparatus includes a brake cylinder having a first opening and a second opening defined therein. The braking apparatus also includes a movable member located within the brake cylinder which has a channel defined therein. The braking apparatus further includes a brake chamber in fluid communication with the brake cylinder. The brake chamber has a brake member located therein. The movable member is moved to a position which allows fluid communication between the first and second opening through the channel thus creating a subsequent pressure drop in the system. The pressure drop causes a hydrostatic transmission in fluid communication with the brake apparatus to be neutralized by a responsive displacement of a pump and motor which reduces the travel speed of a vehicle. Additionally, the movement of the movable member causes a brake member to be forced against a moving object.

Braking apparatus and method for use with a moving vehicle

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and method for calibrating an electrohydraulic system is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a hydraulic valve that is responsive to an electrical valve signal controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to a hydraulic actuator. A position sensor senses the position of the hydraulic actuator and responsively produces an actuator position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the actuator position signal and determines when the hydraulic actuator begins movement, and associates the magnitude of the electrical valve signal to a first predetermined joystick position. Thereafter, the microprocessor based controller determines when the hydraulic actuator movement reaches terminal velocity and associates the magnitude of the electrical valve signal to a second predetermined joystick position.

Method and apparatus for calibrating an electrohydraulic system

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Peter R Hildner