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:
Dec. 15, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 30, 1994
Richard J Fournier, Bartonville, IL (US);
Doug S Gordon, Glasford, IL (US);
Adam J Gudat, Edelstein, IL (US);
Gregory R Harrod, Peoria, IL (US);
Daniel E Henderson, Washington, IL (US);
Karl W Kleimenhagen, Peoria, IL (US);
William C Sahm, Peoria, IL (US);
Charles L Schaidle, Metamora, IL (US);
Ken R Setterlund, Peoria, IL (US);
Ron J Siroky, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the removal of material from a land site such as a mine by a mobile machine. A digitized three-dimensional model of the site is stored in a digital data storage and retrieval facility. The site model includes a model of the material to be removed subdivided into regions of differentiating characteristics, for example ore grade or type. The machine is provided with means for generating digital signals representing in real time the instantaneous position in three-dimensional space of at least a portion of the machine as it traverses the site. Loading signals are generated corresponding to the removal of material from the site by the machine, and an instantaneous loading position for the mobile machine relative to the site is recorded in response to the loading signal. The invention preferably includes a payload measurement system which measures each discrete load of material removed. The characteristics of the site material at the recorded loading position are correlated to the material removed from the site. In a preferred form a dynamic site database is used to update the site as material is removed and direct the machinery in altering the site to a desired state.