US6058342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Precision control of implement position/motion
Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
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Filing: 1996-07-25
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Granted: 2000-05-02
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Expires: 2016-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling a function of a machine system including an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device, and a positioning assembly including an actuator for moving the device in response to a control signal. The system includes an operator-adjustable input device which generates an input signal, and a control circuit which generates the control signal for moving the moveable device in a first or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the input signal. The first manner is selected when the input signal changes slowly, and the second manner is selected when the input signal changes quickly. The system may include a sensor for sensing a parameter of the machine system and a command device for generating a command signal. A control signal is generated based at least upon the difference between the sensed parameter and command signals. Also disclosed is a system for controlling the elevation of an implement carried or trailed by a work vehicle. An implement positioning assembly includes an actuator for raising and lowering the implement in response to a control signal. The control signal is generated in a first manner when the command signal changes slowly, and in a second manner when the command signal changes quickly. An input device can also be used to override the normal rate of movement of an actuator with a slower value.
Inventors
- 👤 Abraham Orbach
- 👤 William L. Schubert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 13:22
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01B; A01B63/00; A01B63/02; A01B63/10; A01B63/1006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: an operator-adjustable input device configured to generate an input signal; and a control circuit coupled to the input device and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine a rate of change of the input signal and to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the input signal; wherein the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal in the first manner when the rate of change of the input signal is less than a threshold value and in the second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
206 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: an operator-adjustable input device configured to generate an input signal; and a control circuit coupled to the input device and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine a rate of change of the input signal and to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the input signal; wherein the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal in the first manner when the rate of change of the input signal is less than a threshold value and in the second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein, when the control circuit is operating in the first manner, the rate of movement is limited to a predetermined value.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
189 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: an operator-adjustable input device configured to generate an input signal; and a control circuit coupled to the input device and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine a rate of change of the input signal and to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the input signal; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
189 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: an operator-adjustable input device configured to generate an input signal; and a control circuit coupled to the input device and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine a rate of change of the input signal and to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the input signal; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the predetermined rate of movement is slower than any desired rate of movement which may be selected by the operator.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
257 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter of the machine system and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor assembly, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed parameter signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device based at least upon the error value in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the command signal; wherein the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal in the first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in the second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
257 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter of the machine system and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor assembly, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed parameter signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device based at least upon the error value in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the command signal; wherein the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal in the first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in the second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 5 wherein, when the control circuit is operating in the first manner, the rate of movement is limited to a predetermined value.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter of the machine system and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor assembly, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed parameter signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device based at least upon the error value in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the command signal; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for controlling a function of a machine system comprising an off-road work vehicle, a moveable device adapted to perform the function and a positioning assembly coupled to the vehicle and including an actuator for moving the moveable device in response to a control signal, the control system comprising: a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter of the machine system and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor assembly, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed parameter signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the moveable device based at least upon the error value in either a first manner or a second manner depending upon the rate of change of the command signal; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 7 wherein the predetermined rate of movement is slower than any desired rate of movement which may be selected by the operator.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for controlling the elevation of an implement carried or trailed by a work vehicle, the implement coupled to an implement positioning assembly including an actuator configured to selectively raise and lower the implement in response to control signals, the system comprising: a position sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the position sensor, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed position signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the implement based at least upon the error value in a first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in a second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for controlling the elevation of an implement carried or trailed by a work vehicle, the implement coupled to an implement positioning assembly including an actuator configured to selectively raise and lower the implement in response to control signals, the system comprising: a position sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the position sensor, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed position signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the implement based at least upon the error value in a first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in a second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is slower than the rate of movement would have been if the control circuit was operating in the second manner.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 9 wherein, when the control circuit is operating in the first manner, the rate of movement is limited to a predetermined value.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
245 words
A system for controlling the elevation of an implement carried or trailed by a work vehicle, the implement coupled to an implement positioning assembly including an actuator configured to selectively raise and lower the implement in response to control signals, the system comprising: a position sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the position sensor, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed position signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the implement based at least upon the error value in a first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in a second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
245 words
A system for controlling the elevation of an implement carried or trailed by a work vehicle, the implement coupled to an implement positioning assembly including an actuator configured to selectively raise and lower the implement in response to control signals, the system comprising: a position sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate signals representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the position sensor, the command device, and the actuator, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the sensed position signal and the command signal and to determine a rate of change of the command signal, the control circuit also configured to generate the control signal for moving the implement based at least upon the error value in a first manner when the rate of change of the command signal is less than a threshold value and in a second manner when the rate of change exceeds the threshold value; further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representative of a desired rate of movement of the actuator, wherein, when operating in the first manner, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal such that the rate of movement of the actuator is limited to a predetermined value and, when operating in the second manner, the rate of movement is limited to the desired rate of movement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the predetermined rate of movement is slower than any desired rate of movement which may be selected by the operator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-02 | 2003-11-01 | 2004-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-02 | 2007-11-01 | 2008-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-02 | 2011-11-01 | 2012-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |