Caterpillar Inc.

Victor A Simkus

Marvin K Palmer

Bryan A Vogt

Cameron D Jensen

Christopher P Beaudin

A system may include a light source configured to emit a light beam. The system may further include a camera configured to obtain image data of an environment that includes the light beam and a target object. The system may further include a wireless communication component configured to provide the image data to a remote control device that controls an operation of a machine. The image data may be provided to cause the image data to be included in a video feed, of the environment, displayed by the remote control device, The light source may be configured to cause the light beam, in the video feed, to provide a visual indication of a distance from the machine to the target object. Control of the operation of the machine, through the remote control device, is based, at least in part, on the light beam displayed in the video feed.

Remote control operation of a machine using a light beam for depth perception

In machines having a bucket that is capable of carrying a load of material, it is well know that when the machine is traveling over rough terrain or encounters other obstacles the machine may bounce or the operator may be subjected to a jolt due to a change in force acting on the lift actuator. Accumulators have been connected to the loaded end of the lift actuator to cushion or dampen the sudden changes in the forces. When the machine is used without the accumulator connected to the lift actuator a pressure balancing valve mechanism is provided to maintain a pre-charge in the accumulator greater than or equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when the ride control comes on. In order to ensure that the pressure in the accumulator is always equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when ride control comes on, the accumulator is selectively connected to the implement pump or the reservoir. When in a manual mode the ride control is turned off when a tilt lever is moved to tilt the bucket, and when in a automatic mode the ride control is turned off when the machine is being operated below a predetermined ground speed.

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Elgin, IL, United States of America

Victor A Simkus