Caterpillar Inc.

Xiaojun Zhang

Daniel Edward Shearer

Matthew A Hartman

Mark D Shane

James Ivan Portscheller

Timothy L Cooper

Susan M Boast

Michael I Cline

Naga Raja Rao Mosam

Michael Lee Ferguson, Jr

A method for operating an electromagnetic lift that includes a generator-driven electromagnet comprises adjusting a position of the electromagnet, in response to a first position command. Upon receiving a lift command, an output power level of a generator is established at a predetermined level above a predefined normal power level. In response to an excess release command, the output power level is set to a first predetermined level below the normal power level. In response to a transport command, the output power level is established as approximately the normal power level. Upon receiving a release command, the output power level is established at a second predetermined level below the normal power level.

System and method for controlling electromagnet lift power for material handlers

A method for protecting against current overload conditions associated with an electromagnetic lift system comprises receiving current data from a current monitoring device associated with an electromagnetic lift system. The method also includes determining a current level based on the collected current data, and identifying a predetermined overload range corresponding to the current level if the current level exceeds an overload current threshold. The method also includes monitoring a time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range, and providing a command signal to an actuator associated with the electromagnetic lift system if the time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range exceeds a predetermined time limit. The command signal causes the actuator to substantially limit mechanical power provided to a generator associated with the electromagnetic lift system.

Overload protection system for an electromagnetic lift

A system and method for automatically adjusting the blade of a motor grader to an operator programmed blade position. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller and blade controls having position sensors; monitoring the output of the position sensors to ascertain the position of the blade controls; receiving a first input signal for setting a memory blade position; determining the memory blade position based on the output of the position sensors; receiving a second input signal for requesting the memory blade position; determining the present blade position based on the output of the position sensors; and producing a control signal for actuating the blade controls to move the blade from the present blade position to the memory blade position.

Method for automatically positioning the blade of a motor grader to a memory position

A system and method for automatically moving the blade of a motor grader from a present blade position to a mirror image position. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and an input switch; obtaining information from the position sensors indicating the position of the blade controls; determining the present blade position; receiving an input signal from the input switch requesting a mirror image position; calculating the mirror image position of the present blade position; and producing a control signal for actuating the blade controls to move the blade from the present blade position to the mirror image position.

Method for automatically moving the blade of a motor grader from a

A system and method for monitoring the position of a motor grader blade relative to a motor grader frame. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, blade controls having position sensors, and frame controls having position sensors; monitoring the output of the position sensors to ascertain the position of the blade controls and the frame controls; receiving an input signal requesting a repositioning of the blade or the frame; determining the present blade position and the present frame position; calculating a future blade position and a future frame position based on the repositioning request; predicting an intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position; and producing an action to prevent the intersection of the future blade position and the future frame position.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Xiaojun Zhang