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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 06, 1996
Filed:
Nov. 23, 1994
Tony L Marcott, Plainfield, IL (US);
David E Nelson, Peoria, IL (US);
Noel J Rytter, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
In machines that are articulated in response to a steer input mechanism, it is many times necessary for the operator to make a steer input and then to make corrective adjustments in order to obtain the desired steer angle of the machine. In the subject invention, an electro-hydraulic steering system is provided which senses the desired steer input by the operator, senses the degree of articulation of the machine and a microprocessor delivers an electrical control signal (P) to an electro-hydraulic valve mechanism which effectively controls articulation of the machine. Once the machine has reached the degree of articulation desired by the operator, the microprocessor signals the electro-hydraulic valve mechanism to stop articulation of the machine. Consequently, the operator does not have to provide any adjustments thereto. Additionally, the ground speed of the machine is sensed and the rate of articulation is controlled in response thereto. In the subject arrangement, in the event of an electrical system failure, a back-up steering control circuit is automatically functional to control steering of the machine in a conventional manner. This arrangement provides an electro-hydraulic steering system that eases the operators fatigue by eliminating the need for corrective steer adjustments and is simple in construction and reliable in operation.