The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Mar. 26, 1991

Filed:

Mar. 19, 1990
Applicant:
Inventors:

John M Hadank, Dunlap, IL (US);

William E Allen, Peoria, IL (US);

Walter J Bradbury, Peoria, IL (US);

Paul D Anderson, Kent, WA (US);

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);

Attorneys:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E02F / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
4146955 ; 180333 ; 7447 / ;
Abstract

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.


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