Caterpillar Sarl

Caterpillar Inc.

W Chris Swick

Paul Anthony Dvorak

Chad Timothy Brickner

Steven T Ufheil

Reid W Waitt

Peter R Hildner

Clayton L Padgett

Raymond T Schenck

John S Bibb

C Erik Bright

Tim A Green

A method of modulating a boom assembly to perform in a linear manner. The boom assembly includes a boom and a stick. The method comprising the steps of sending at least one lever signal to a control device indicative of operator desired direction and desired velocity of the boom and the stick, calibrating the lever signals to provide a boom command signal and a stick command signal, applying an algorithm-to-the boom command signal and the stick command signal, which the algorithm uses command signal mapping, and providing a modulating factor to the control device as a result of the algorithm.

Method of modulating a boom assembly to perform in a linear manner

A control arrangement is provided to control the output of a hydrostatic transmission in response to a selectable input from an operator. This is accomplished by having a adjustable relief valve connected to the pilot control arrangement that controls the displacement of the variable displacement pump of the hydrostatic transmission. The adjustable relief valve vents a portion of the pilot control pressure being directed to the variable displacement pump in response to the pressure between the variable displacement pump and the fluid motor of the hydrostatic transmission and the setting of the adjustable relief valve by the operator.

Hydrostatic transmission control with pressure feedback

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

An interlock control system for controlling certain operations of a work machine wherein such system includes a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism, a second switch coupled to the operator seat, a third switch operable to control the operation of the parking brake mechanism, and an electronic controller coupled to all three switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to enable the drive mechanism and the implement control system when the controller receives signals from the first, second and third switches indicative of the fact that the operator is present in the seat, the operator restraint mechanism is positioned in its restraining position, and the parking brake switch has been actuated to release the parking brake. With the drive mechanism and implement control system enabled, a second activation of the parking brake switch will disable the drive mechanism and set the parking brake, but it will not disable the implement control system. In addition, regardless of the particular operating mode, as soon as the interlock controller senses that either the operator restraint mechanism has been moved out of its restraining position and/or the operator is no longer present in the seat, the controller will disable the drive mechanism and the implement control system, and it will apply the parking brake.

Interlock control system for a work machine

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

W Chris Swick